Suthep optimistic to mend fence with coalition partners

"I 'wai' everybody until my hands have been swollen," he said in reference to his paying respects to key coalition partners in order to keep the alliance intact.

If instructed by the prime minister, then he is ready to step up his role as mediator in order to ensure the coalition survival, he said.

He said he was optimistic that all differences could be reconciled throught talks among the partners.

He claimed he had already succeeded in resolving the controversy over the sale of rice stockpile, seen as a rift between Democrat and Bhum Jai Thai parties.

He said he is ready to negotiate with Puea Pandin which has reportedly been dissatisfied with its small share of the economic revitalisation budget.