Somsak-Newin alliance to form a new party

MP Prajak Kaewklahan from the Friends of Newin faction said his faction might adopt the existing banner of Bhum Jai Thai Party, deemed an auspicious name, which came into existence following the disbandment of Matchima Thipataya Party.

The Somsak faction members from the disbanded party have already switched to the Bhum Jai Thai banner.

Prajak said the Somsak-Newin alliance will have a second largest block of more than 30 votes, trailing behind the Democrats in the Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

He said Somsak and Newin had reached an agreement in principle to form the alliance and that the deal would be formally sealed following formal meetings by respective factions.

Although the two factions have denied the alliance is designed to pressure for driving a hard bargain for Cabinet seats, Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thuagsuban hints about upgrading the portfolios allocated.

The Somsak faction will get the commerce porfolio in lieu of the natural resources and environment allocated to it under the Somchai Wongsawat government.

The Friends of Newin faction will fill four Cabinet seats, including the trasport porfolio responsible for mega projects on mass transportation in Bangkok. Under the outgoing government, the faction was downgraded from four to two ministerial appointments.

The Nation