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Published on September 1, 2007

"Speculation about Chat Thai ditching its two allies is groundless," he said.

Banharn added that his deputy, Somsak Prissanananthakul, had spoken in his personal capacity on Wednesday when talking about polarised politics, a statement that many wrongly interpreted as a signal to dissolve the alliance.

His party has always acted in line with the alliance of three former opposition parties and boycotted the April 2 elections last year despite the tempting offers made by the then-ruling Thai Rak Thai Party, he said, citing this as a proof of loyalty.

"It is impossible for me to work with people who show no remorse and I will abide by my stand until the day earth covers my face," he said in reference to the electoral fraud verdict against the former ruling party.

Banharn said he was disappointed that Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban had rushed to retort to Somsak's remarks without checking with him first.

"I suggest that Suthep try and mellow out if he wants his party to lead the next coalition."

He said that if he were Suthep, he would have made a joke about Somsak's remarks, or checked if the comments represented the party's stance or were his personal view.

He also denied allegations that he was still in contact with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying they had lost touch since the September 19 coup.

Reacting to Banharn's criticism, Suthep said that news media had overblown his remarks on Thursday.

"But everything ended up well after Banharn dispelled all doubts about the alliance," he said.

The Nation