The Pheu Thai Party formally extended an invitation to the Democrat Party on Wednesday to join the new coalition government, signaling a move beyond their historical rivalry.
At Parliament, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong presented an invitation to Democrat secretary-general Det-it Khaothong, officially requesting their collaboration to form the new government. Members of Parliament from both parties were in attendance.
The media-accessible invitation reads: “The Pheu Thai Party, as the leader in the formation of the government, believes the Democrats have the capabilities, knowledge, and ideologies to work with Pheu Thai.”
“We would like to invite the Democrat Party to join the government and work together in running the country for the benefit of the people.”
In response to inquiries about how cabinet positions would be distributed to the Democrats, Mr. Sorawong stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra would decide on those appointments.
Reports indicate that Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on may become the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, while Secretary-General Det-it Khaothong could potentially serve as Deputy Minister of Public Health.
Mr. Det-it expressed his gratitude to the Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday for their confidence and the opportunity to serve the country.
He mentioned that the party’s executive board and MPs are scheduled to meet on Thursday to approve the decision to join the new government.
When questioned about potential displeasure among supporters in the South, a traditional stronghold, Mr. Det-it responded, “The Democrat Party holds no conflicts, only love, understanding, and forgiveness.”
He also dismissed criticism from Chuan Leekpai, a Democrat list MP and former leader opposing the alliance. Mr. Det-it emphasized, “Once a party resolution is made, it is binding on everyone.”
The tensions between the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties escalated in 2010 during the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva, the then Democrat leader, who ordered police to reclaim the area from red-shirt protesters supported by Pheu Thai at Ratchaprasong intersection, leading to at least 85 deaths, mostly among protesters.
Mr. Chuan stated on Wednesday that he would reassert his opposition to joining the Pheu Thai-led government in the day’s meeting, though he would respect the final party decision.
“Most Democrat members are content. Only a few have exploited their party positions for personal gain,” Mr. Chuan noted.
Tida Tawornseth, a former co-leader of the red-shirt United Democracy against Dictatorship, criticized Pheu Thai for reconciling with the Democrats, accusing them of seeking power by any means.
On Wednesday, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) criticized the ruling Pheu Thai Party for unjustifiably ousting it from the government, claiming betrayal.
Following weeks of uncertainty, Pheu Thai confirmed on Tuesday that it had decided, with its MPs’ support, to exclude PPRP from the cabinet lineup.
Samat Jenchaijitwanich, a vocal PPRP member and former vice minister of justice, refuted the reasons given by Pheu Thai on Wednesday.
At a party meeting, MPs criticized PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon for undervaluing Pheu Thai, highlighting his absences from critical parliamentary votes, including those confirming Srettha Thavisin as prime minister and subsequently Ms. Paetongtarn as his replacement last week.
Mr. Srettha was ousted as prime minister by the Constitutional Court for appointing an ex-convict, Pichit Chuenban, as PM’s Office minister.
Pheu Thai also accused Gen Prawit of influencing 40 former coup-appointed senators to petition against Mr. Srettha in court.
The PPRP is divided between a faction led by Gen Prawit and another by party secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow, the caretaker agriculture minister.
