PPP annouces three parties to join coalition

With the three parties - Matchima Thipataya, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Pracharaj - already on board, the coalition could count on 254 seats out of the total of 480, but expected 280 seats soon, he told a press briefing at party headquarters.

"We're waiting for a commitment from the other party, but our leader will make a formal announcement along with the other party after January 3 following the endorsement of the outcome by the Election Commission," he said.

If remaining parties agreed to side with the PPP, they would control 315 seats, enough for a stable government, he said, adding that none of the coalition partners had negotiated for Cabinet posts.

The 315seat figure would mean the inclusion of the Puea Pandin and Chart Thai parties. However Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapaarcha had already made it clear that if the three other parties agreed to team up with the PPP, his party would stay out.

Surapong said he respected Banharn's decision.

Surapong also had some advice for his opposite number in the Democrat Party, Suthep Thaugsuban, whom he said should take a rest over the New Year so he would be ready to work hard in opposition.

Suthep had said that if the PPP failed to form a coalition government, his party was ready to put together a government after the New Year festival.

Surapong said he felt PPP would win the January 13 byelection in Nakhon Ratchasima's Constituency 3, called after yellow cards were issued by the Election Commission.

The Nation

Sucheera Pinijparakarn