Democrat Party open to Pheu Thai ties if no Thaksin interference

The Democrat Party will not close the door on working with the Pheu Thai Party after the election, but only on the condition that it is not dictated to by jailed Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of Pheu Thai, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said today.

He told voters not to be fooled by rhetoric suggesting that the Blue (Bhumjaithai) and Orange (People’s) parties will not join hands to form the next government or sign another “Memorandum of Agreement.”

He cited an announcement by People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, stating that the party would not invite Bhumjaithai to join a coalition if his party comes first in the upcoming election but fails to secure an overall majority in the House.

He noted, however, that Natthaphong was eventually overruled by what he described as the power behind the throne of the People’s Party, widely believed to be Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement.

In his campaign speech delivered at Benjasiri Park on Sunday evening, Abhisit reiterated his party’s unwillingness to form alliances with parties associated with “grey” businesses or those fixated on amending or politicising the lèse majesté law.

He said he had previously spoken about enforcement of the lèse majesté law, noting that those indicted for breaching it were often people expressing academic views deemed critical of the monarchy, as well as those harbouring ill will toward the revered institution.

During his last administration, he said, he set up a panel to screen lèse majesté cases, adding that today there are parties that politicise the institution by claiming to be royalist and others that do so to stir up division.

Political parties are not family businesses in which someone can point a finger, bark orders, and expect all party leaders to obey. In the Democrat Party, he said, he must listen to party members.

“Society today cannot overlook the Democrat Party, which was once accused of having become extinct,” Abhisit said, urging voters to support the party if they want to see a clean government.

He claimed that several qualified people from various backgrounds, many holding PhDs, have joined the party because they want to contribute their expertise and know-how for the benefit of the country.