Coalition to emerge within three days of balloting

"Don't blink your eyes on December 23 to 25," he said, insisting that talks about political alliances would remain speculative until each party could assess the balloting results.

Banharn ruled out making any commitments in advance, arguing this would be pointless as an upset victory is always a possiblity.

"Who knows - a leading party might not secure victory and a darkhorse party might emerge at the end," he said.

He said his party's campaigning would highlight tangible policies rather than empty promises.

"If given the people's mandate, Chart Thai can revitalise the economy within six months by injecting about Bt100 billion of government spendings," he said, claiming to have already worked out a budgetary plan to make the funds available.

Matchima Thipataya Party leader Prachai Leophairatana said he was ready to become a coalition partner, dismissing speculation that his party might end up in the opposition.

"Of course we want to be in the coalition," he said.

Prachai said he could work with every party because his 42 campaign platforms shared similar goals as advanced by other parties.

"The Democrats' people agendas are modelled after the Matchima policies," he said.

He said he would not rule out an alliance with the People Power Party if it agreed to adjust its stand from being a proxy of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party to become a genuine party to serve the country.

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party secretary general Pradit Pataraprasit said his party would begin the powersharing talks after the balloting.

"Negotiations for the next coalition should be based on how well each party has garnered votes," he said.

The Nation