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Published on February 16, 2008

The group includes many members of the shadow cabinet.

The Democrat Party met yesterday to prepare their debating strategies on the new government's policies.

The government will declare its policies in eight areas and the Democrats plan to scrutinise five of them, saying that would make the discussion more systematic.

However, opposition coordinator Jurin Laksanavisit said the whips must discuss whether the scrutiny of groups of topics is feasible.

The Democrats will meet tomorrow morning to conclude the list of MPs who will take part on Monday.

A source said that while Abhisit will be in charge of commenting on the policies overall and the policy on education, deputy secretary-general and shadow finance minister Korn Chatikavanij would lead the team in discussing economic policies.

Secretary-general and shadow interior minister Suthep Thaugsuban will lead the team on security policies and good governance.

Charoen Kanthawong is expected to lead the Democrat MPs debating social issues and quality-of-life policies, while deputy leader and shadow natural resources and environment minister Witoon Nambutr will lead the group covering policies on land, natural resources and the environment.

Khunying Kalaya Sophonphanit will lead the MPs scrutinising policies on science, technology and innovation.

MPs representing the southern provinces will cover problems of the restive South, the source said.

About 90 Democrat MPs said they wanted to take part in the debate.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation