Pheu Thai invites Democrat Party to coalition, ending years of rivalry

Pheu Thai Party, as leader of the ruling coalition, has formally invited the Democrat Party to join the government, signalling an end to decades of political rivalry.

Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, personally delivered the invitation to his Democrat counterpart, Det-it Khaothong on Wednesday.

The invitation follows Pheu Thai’s decision to sever ties with Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) led by General Prawit Wongsuwan, though it still welcomes the faction of rebel PPP MPs led by caretaker Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow.

Sorawong said he had informed Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on about the party’s decision on Tuesday, saying he would hand in the invitation personally on the following day.

“We have resolved to invite the Democrat Party because we need to ensure stability in the House. We are not just inviting Democrat, but also other parties and groups of politicians to join the coalition,” Sorawong said.

He said that Pheu Thai has decided to bury the political conflicts with their arch-rival, the Democrat Party.

“The past is the past. Now we’re confident that we wall have the same goal of moving the people and the country to a good direction,” he said, adding that none of the Pheu Thai MPs were against inviting Democrats.

He also expressed confidence that Pheu Thai could work with the Democrats under the leadership of Chalermchai and Det-it, who assumed control of Thailand’s oldest party in December last year.

The victory of Chalermchai and Det-it last year was seen as a move to prepare for a partnership with Pheu Thai – a scenario that prompted former prime minister and ex-Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to quit politics as well as the party.

As for criticism that both Pheu Thai and the Democrat have betrayed their supporters with this political marriage, Sorawong said the dynamics had shifted. He said the political rivalry between the two parties was not the same after the Democrat’s leadership has changed.

“It’s time for the two parties to work together to solve people’s problems. The country has been on a decline for years now, and it’s time for the two parties to move forward together and leave conflicts and misunderstandings behind,” Sorawong said.

He added that Pheu Thai had also explained this to its red-shirt supporters, who understood well the need for the party to join hands to work for the country.

Sorawong added that the party’s legal team was not worried about the complaint filed by serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, who alleged that Paetongtarn had failed to give up the management of her 21 firms before being elected on August 16. Sorawong said this complaint was a non-issue.

Separately, he said, Pheu Thai will later invite Thamanat’s faction to join the coalition, but will not invite Thai Sang Thai Party, which is led by former Pheu Thai executive Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Meanwhile, Det-it told reporters that the Democrat Party was grateful to Pheu Thai for entrusting it with a seat in the coalition.  He said he will present the invitation to the Democrat Party’s executive board to make a decision on Thursday.

Reports indicate that three former Democrat leaders – Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit – are against joining a government led by the longtime rival, Pheu Thai.

Det-it acknowledged the division in opinions within the party but said all MPs and party members will need to comply with the board’s resolution, regardless of the outcome.