Thailand is still waiting for the final whistle

Last week, I wrote in this column that in an ideal world - once the Constitution Court dissolved then-ruling People Power Party (PPP) - the Democrats would be given a chance to form a government with parties other than Pheu Thai, an incarnation of the PPP.

Now that idea does not seem so far fetched because, after all, there are no permanent friends and foes in Thai politics.

It is still a bit difficult to believe that Newin, who his father Chai found much more handsome than the Democrat leader, would end up playing the kingmaker and make Abhisit's dreams come true. It is even more difficult to believe that this very man once cried and hugged former PM Thaksin Shinawatra on the day he was ousted.

However, in interviews last weekend Newin looked like a different man. Obviously the good old Newin-Thaksin days are over.

In a chat with Matichon newspaper on Friday, Newin said "time was up for a 'powerful person' to think about returning to the country by holding Thai people hostage". It is easy to guess who this "powerful person" is.

Then, on Saturday, Newin told Krungthep Turakij the real reason why he was supporting the Democrats.

"The nation has to come first, it is too damaged. Our group decided to support the Democrats in forming a new government because it would help the country move forward. At least people will feel relieved and I need to sacrifice my party [disbanded PPP] to save the nation.

"For me, Abhisit is the next PM because he is the opposition leader. I never demanded that Chuan [Leekpai] be given the position. It was just a rumour."

Despite the public commitment from Newin, chances for a Democrat-led government (as of press time) was still 50:50.

It is going to be another hectic week in Thai politics. The two main rivals - Pheu Thai and the Democrats - are still fighting to take over as they both wait for the House to vote in a new premier. The longer the House takes to convene, the fewer chances the Democrats will have.

Like they say in the world of football, you cannot be sure your team has won until you hear the final whistle. Similarly, until the last MP casts his vote, one cannot be sure who will end up with the country's top job.