Abhisit denies talk of coalition invitation

The Democrat Party has denied it has been approached by the regime to join the next coalition government in exchange for “A-list” ministries.

Democrat l eader Abhisit Vejjajiva dismissed as untrue information from a political source that his party was given an offer to join the next government and rewarded with ministerial posts in topgrade ministries.

The information is believed to have come from a source in the pro-regime Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).

Mr Abhisit made his remark under the assumption that the PPRP will become the core party that manages to consolidate enough allies to form the next government.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, meanwhile, also denied the regime has extended an early invitation to the Democrat Party to join the proposed government coalition through the party’s former secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on. Mr Abhisit said talk is growing that the PPRP, the Democrats and Pheu Thai will emerge as the largest parties after the next election.

He insisted the PPRP has claimed it will win more than 350 seats. If that assertion comes true, it would not need the Democrats to join it in government.

There are 500 seats at stake in the House of Representatives and a party or a coalition needs to garner more than 250 to command a House majority.

“If [the current government] manages the affairs of state this way, it will be hard to work together. The people are in dire straits,” Mr Abhisit said.

The Democrat Party is expected to announce its candidates who will stand in the Feb 24 election at the end of the month.

The PPRP is led by Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana with Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee as the party deputy leader and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong as its secretary-general. None have given up their ministerial seats.

Gen Prawit, meanwhile, said he has not met Mr Chalermchai to discuss any coalition government proposition.

He said he is not affiliated with any political party and is not in a position to broker a deal on forming a new government.

Also yesterday, the Democrats did not make a decision as to whether they will attend the meeting on election preparations with the National Council for Peace and Order on Friday, while the Pheu Chart Party announced it will not participate.

Gen Prawit maintained political parties absent from the meeting will not be able to prepare properly for the election, although their absence will not disrupt preparations for the poll itself.

Earlier, Yutthapol Angkinant, deputy leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, said Nikorn Chamnong, the party’s director, and Pisit Pittayathakulcharoen will represent the party in its meeting with the NCPO on Friday.

Prime Minister and NCPO l eader Prayut Chan-o-cha has set aside that date for talks with politicians on the decision to fully lift the political activities ban, in place since the military regime took power more than four years ago.

The meeting will be held at the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.