Opposition in show of unity as Sanan turns 71
Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachorn-prasart, right, hosts Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, centre, and Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Suwat Liptapanlop at his home yesterday. Sanan turned 71.
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The home of veteran politician and Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart was transformed into a venue for spirited political discussion yesterday.
The leaders of several opposition parties arrived offering Sanan their best wishes as he turned 71. However, he was unable to offer well-wishers a birthday feast, thanks to the provisions of the recently effective election decree. Leaders of the Chat Thai, Democrat and Pracharaj parties were on hand with greetings. Banharn Silapa-archa, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Snoh Thienthong were joined by Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Suwat Liptapanlop. Making for a spirited crowd were the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy Samran Rodpetch and Amorn Amornratananon. Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra telephoned with birthday wishes. Banharn was the first to greet Sanan yesterday. He congratulated him and noted the long relationship between their families. "Mahachon and Chat Thai must stay together. We have had long journeys together and we will stick to the Middle Path according to the principles [of Buddha]," he said. With deputy Nikorn Chamnong accompanying him, Banharn said he hoped Sanan received many positions after the election. Abhisit and deputies Jurin Laksanavisit, Alongkorn Pollabutr, Wittaya Kaewparadai and spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon joined later. Abhisit said the sincerity of political parties for political reform was more important than their pledges to seek it. Sanan explained the election was vital to heal divisions in the country. He worried political tensions would get out of control. Rifts between supporters and opponents of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra remained. He called on Thaksin to ensure his party fought a fair, corruption-free election in October and to ensure the ballot was managed by civilians and not the military or police. He wished for opposition parties to remain friends during and after the election in spite of being competitors. Banharn promised they would be allies forever. Snoh arrived with his son and party secretary-general Prachai Leophairatana. He asked Sanan to come directly to him before believing gossip about the pair. Thaksin's representative Suwat joined Sanan and Abhisit in the discussion for 15 minutes.
Bancha Khaengkhan The Nation
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