PPP close to a deal with Puea Pandin: Kuthep

He spoke following the meeting of party executives which reviewed the progress on the negotiations to form the next government.

"It is a good sign for us after contacting and receiving some positive responses from Puea Pandin," he said.

He said he believed the government formation should conclude satisfactorily because his party already had the backing of three small parties, resulting in a majority of 254 House seats, which outnumbered an alliance formed by the Democrats and other remaining parties.

He said his party agreed to designate its leader Samak Sundaravej and his secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee as negotiators to form the coalition alliance. The two are expected to report back to the party executives in a meeting on January 2.

Samak left the party headquarters immediately after the meeting without giving interview.

The Nation

Sucheera Pinijparakarn