Sontirat unfazed by five parties leaving ruling coalition

Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong played down worries about the government’s stability after five small parties left the ruling coalition and formed their own independent opposition. 
He said that political matters could be resolved through talks and exchange of opinions, and there was nothing to worry about. 
Recently, Mongkolkit Suksintaranon, leader of the Thai Civilized Party, said that five small parties -- Thai Civilized Party, Palung Thai Ruk Thai Party, New Democrat Party, Thai People’s Justice Party, and Thai Teachers for People Party -- who together have five house seats, had decided to leave the ruling coalition and work as an independent opposition
Their decision leaves the government having the support of 246 MPs, the same number as the opposition. However, if the five independent parties join the opposition, their seat numbers will increase to 251, a simple majority in the lower house. There is growing speculation that opposition MPs may table a no-confidence motion against the government of premier Prayut Chan-o-cha, raising worries over the government's survival.