Democrats in talks with Thaksin but not part of coalition yet

AS PHEU Thai Party continues to forge a coalition government, Democrat Party Secretary-General Chalermchai Sri-on was asked to fly to Hong Kong to hold talks with the party’s de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra but he sent a representative with no conclusion reached yet, Manager Online and Naewna newspaper said today (July 28).

Instead of personally going to Hong Kong to meet Thaksin, Chalermchai sent Mr. Det-It Khawthong, an MP for Songkhla and acting head of the party in the South, to do so.

However it was reported that negotiations failed because this group commands 16 Democrat MPs not all 25 because former party leaders Chuan Leekpai and Aphisit Vejjajiva do not support joining the coalition government Pheu Thai is forming.

Thaksin told Det-it to go back and find a solution because if the Democrat Party is included all 25 MPs had to join in.

It was also reported that this Democrat group wanted to control the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry should they join the coalition but their representative was told that former justice minister Somsak Thepsuthin who hopped over to Pheu Thai camp from Palang Pracharath Party before the May 14 election also wanted the portfolio.

CAPTION:

Democrat MP Det-It Khawthong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, right. Photos: Matichon

Also read: Protesters urge 8 coalition partners to not switch sides

Super deal worked out in Hong Kong: Chuwit

Move Forward MP to Resign in addition to already-served jail term

At last, Thaksin will return home on August 10

Thanathorn ‘not holding talks with Thaksin in Hong Kong’

Pita will no longer be named PM: Prasert

Joint House/senate session to pick PM put off

Pita denied second chance of being named PM, suspended from performing as MP

Ombudsman’s Office to ask court to postpone next meeting on voting for PM

Thammasat group launches sign-up campaign to put off PM vote for 10 months