Dem duo who dallied with Suthep cleared

Thaworn, Witthaya warned but forgiven

Two Democrat members who are allegedly taking part in another party’s activities have been spared disciplinary action, but the Democrats’ executive board is prepared to crack down on any member who puts the party’s ideology in doubt, it said yesterday.

Speaking after a meeting with the board, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said it had agreed to end its probe without taking action against Thaworn Senneam and Witthaya Kaewparadai.

Both veteran politicians had sparked an uproar among party members after they were seen together with Suthep Thaugsuban, a co-founder of the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT) Party, who recently engaged in a campaign walk to recruit members in several southern provinces.

Mr Thaworn was accused of opening his house in Songkhla for use as “an office” so the ACT could accept applications to join the party. Democrat deputy leader Nipit Intarasombat was assigned to conduct the probe to gather facts.

Mr Abhisit said he talked to Mr Thaworn in person and Mr Witthaya on the phone about the controversy and explained that they should refrain from any activities that may cause confusion about the party’s political stance.

According to the Democrat leader, there is nothing wrong with social engagements such as having lunch, drinking coffee or playing sport with members of other political parties.

However, they should not engage in the activities of another political party as that would be “bound to cause confusion”, he said.

He said the pair admitted their behaviour was inappropriate and acknowledged the party’s stance and their responsibility to the Democrat Party, so the board decided to put an end to the matter.

But Mr Abhisit added the board has decided that in order to prevent this from happening again, any party members whose conduct undermines the party’s principles would face strict disciplinary action in line with party regulations.

“If they are potential candidates, they will not be fielded in the election by our party [if they breach our rules]. And if the offence is a serious one, they will be expelled,” he said.

He said the pair are still qualified to contest the election under the party banner.

Mr Abhisit said the issue has nothing to do with the party’s leadership race, in which he defeated Warong Dechgitvigrom, a former Democrat MP for Phitsanulok.

He conceded there was still some fallout to deal with but vowed not to let the matter get out of hand.

Mr Thaworn and Mr Witthaya are believed to have backed Dr Warong for the top post, with Mr Thaworn allegedly being promised the post of party secretary-general.

It was reported that Mr Thaworn and Dr Warong met the party leader to clear up the controversy. Dr Warong also became the focus of attention after he defended Mr Thaworn by saying he would open his house to him and treat Mr Suthep to a meal if the latter stopped by his political stronghold of Phitsanulok.