Thai opposition party says it can form gov´t

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-07-2008 08:47

In Thailand the opposition Democrat Party says it has gained the support of five parties in the former ruling coalition, and will try to form a new government. The party is supported by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which headed mass demonstrations against the former ruling coalition led by the People Power Party.

Members of five political parties and one faction, including Democrat Party's secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban (C), join hands after forming a new coalition which hopes to create  Thailand's next government, after a news conference in Bangkok December 6, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The Democrat Party announced on Saturday that it has the backing of 260 lawmakers in the Parliament's 400-seat lower house, giving it a majority and allowing it to form a government.

Suthep Thuagsuban, Secretary General of Democrat Party said "Everyone here is fully convinced about the political situation of the country. Therefore we have decided together to form a coalition government to solve the crisis of the country."

But given the chaos in recent months and deep political and social rifts, the apparent Democrat triumph will not be assured until Parliament meets within the next 30 days to vote on whether to endorse party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the new prime minister.