Party leaders attend reconciliation lunchoen

Matubhum Party leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin on Friday hosted a lunchoen for party leaders to sound out their opinions on mending fences

Sonthi, in his capacity as chairman of the House committee on reconciliation, invited all leaders whose parties won House seats in the July 3 elections.

Leaders at the lunchoen included Democrat Abhisit Vejjajiva, Yongyuth Wichaidit from Pheu Thai, Chumpol Silapa-archa from Chart Thai Pattana, Chaovarat Chanweerakul from Bhum Jai Thai, Purachai Piumsombun from Rak Santi, Chuwit Kamolvisit from Rak Prathet Thai and Apirat Sirinawin from Mahachon.

Chart Pattana Puea Pandin MP Prasert Boonchaisuk was present in lieu of his party leader and Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul who had a prior engagement at the BOI Fair.

Palang Chon MP Santsak Ngampichet attended the luncheon on his party leader's behalf. Although Chao Maneewong is the party leader, the de facto head of Palang Chon is actually barred party executive Sonthaya Kunplome. Santsak is one of Sonthaya's in-laws.

Sonthi voiced optimism that the gathering of party leaders would bode well for bringing about reconciliation.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declined the invitation because she was not a party leader although she said she was willing to join the reconciliation process at a later date.