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Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban held a press conference at the Sukho Thai Party at 6:45 pm.

Representatives from the former Chart Thai, former Matchima Tipataya, Ruamjai Thai Chart Pattana, Puea Pandin and the Friends of Newin faction were present at the press conference.

Sanan Kachornprasart, who represents the Char Thai, said the coalition of the defunct People Power Party could not run the country so the Chart Thai decided to switch side for the sake of the country.

Sanan said the Chart Thai listened to the call from all walks of life for former partners of the People Power to switch side to tackle the divisiveness among Thais and to tackle economic crisis.

Ranongrak Suwanchawee, said her Puea Pandin decided to do the best thing for the country by switching its allegiance.

"All parties agreed that this is the best way for tacking the national crisis. We have selected the best choice for Thailand," she said.

Wannarat Charnnukul, a representative of the Ruamjai Thai Chart Pattana, said his party would adhere to majority's decision.

He said he would inform his party of the joint decision of the Democrat and smaller parties.

Pornthipa Nakhasai, a representative of the defunct Matchima Tipataya Party, said her party saw that the People Power, which has been reincarnated as the Puea Thai Party, could not set up a new coalition so her party had its right to switch side.

She said her party decided to switch side for the sake of the country.

"Our group sees that this is the best way-out for tackling the national crisis," Pornthipa said.

Boonjong Wongtrairat, a representative of the Friends of Newin faction from the defunct People Power, said his group decided to support the Democrat so that the new government could solve the country's problems.

"We hope our group's decision will help solve the country's problems," he said.

Boonjong then read from a prepared statement that MPs of his group would vote for Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the next prime minister before deciding to joint a new party later.

Suthep said all the parties held the press conference to push for political changes to meet the wishes of the people.

"We are not doing this for personal or vested interests. No bargaining has been made and all of us want to cooperate to solve the country's problems," Suthep said.

Meanwhile, a group of leading members of the Puea Thai held a press conference to announce that it could still contest against the Democrat to form a coalition government.

Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai told the press conference that his group was informed by members of the Friends of Newin faction and by Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-Archa that they would still support the Puea Thai to form a new coalition.