Ong-art Klampaiboon said all the Democrats' policies derived from research and study of the Thai Rak Thai government's failures during their five years in power.

"The government's schemes have caused many problems for people - from education to healthcare and the cost of living," he said, adding the Democrat's policies would be a solution to those troubles.

The Democrats will announce the details of their election policy platforms today and also promote the image of their leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Their policies include reducing the cost of living, raising labour pay-rates and improving the quality of education.

However, some academics have criticised the Democrat platform, saying the party has failed to show any real substance as to

how it will turn these proposals into action - and how to achieve them.

Meanwhile, the TRT deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan accused the

Democrats of "copying" TRT's policies.

The Democrat proposals merely echoed the government's commitments to the people, which it had delivered since winning the previous elections, she said.

"What the Democrats are trying to bring up is what we have been doing for years," Sudarat said.

The TRT was not worried about the Democrats, but were concerned they were spreading rumours and untrue stories aimed at damaging its reputation, particularly that of party leader Thaksin Shinawatra, she added.

The Nation