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The Mahachon Party will host a luncheon for the Democrat and Chat Thai parties at a Bangkok restaurant where they will talk about their political direction.

"I believe the public can depend on the three parties to manage the country through the political crisis,'' Ongart said.

He said there was no reason for the three parties to switch political camps. "They will continue working together for public interest,'' he said.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha had earlier announced his party would not enter into any political alliance that would divide the country. His comment followed Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban's criticism of the Chat Thai for suggesting that rival parties should bury the hatchet after the general election.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party Sunday stressed it would not argue with its rivals, saying it would not ignore the happiness of people.

"No matter what the result of the election, whether we are in opposition or government or not, we will propose our policy as to create happiness and give a chance to people," said party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee.

His assurance came as the Democrat Party announced it would be willing to form alliances with any group other than the People Power Party.

Some policies have a benefit to the country that every party can support, he added.

He said the Matchima group's campaign to have all state-run electric trains charge a flat-rate fare of Bt15 should be supported.

Surapong also called on the government to lift martial law in 35 provinces before the election so that parties could campaign in those areas.

The party will discuss publishing its campaign this week, he said.

People Power Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang slammed the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and Prasong Soonsiri, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, for attempting to block the party's progress on the political road.

He said PAD should look at what it did in the past and not stand in the way of democracy.

"I don't understand why this group has influence over the country even though it was a cause of the fall of the country," he said.

The Nation