Thai Democrats Mark 65 Years As They Prepare For Poll

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Democrats mark 65 years as they prepare for poll

By The Nation

Race will be intense, as surveys show two major parties are less than 1 per cent apart in popularity ratings: PM

The Democrat Party marked its 65th anniversary yesterday, signalling the start of its campaign mode now that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has hinted at a general election being held in late June or early July.

"The election race will be intense, as every opinion survey indicates that the two major parties are less than 1 per cent apart in popularity ratings," Abhisit said during the celebrations.

Many see the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties in a two-horse race to lead the next government.

At the celebration, Abhisit delivered a pep talk, rallying the Democrats to try to secure a victory, saying the future of the country was at stake.

Should the Democrats win the people's mandate, the country would move forward and overcome the political turbulence, he said.

However, polarisation will most likely intensify if the main opposition party wins because it aims to bring back former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said.

"In a scenario where Pheu Thai comes out the winner, I think turmoil will resume and persist, like what happened in the past three or four years," he said.

Top-ranking Democrats and coalition partners turned out in large numbers at the celebration to show their support for Abhisit.

Chief adviser Chuan Leekpai said his party had stood unwaveringly strong since its inception and was forging ahead on the path of democracy despite tough challenges.

"Changes are normal, and the Democrats have served with a steadfast ideology to promote the parliamentary system both as members of the coalition and the opposition," he said, adding that his party had always aimed to safeguard the country and its political system.

He urged his fellow party members to unite and help one another get the job done instead of relying on outsiders. Chuan reminded them of the three House of Representatives sessions that recently collapsed because of the lack of quorum and said it should be a lesson.

The veteran politician said it was not easy for a political party to survive and thrive for 65 years, and that the Democrats should be proud of their achievements in serving the people, as well as protecting national interests and the monarchy.

As for Pheu Thai, he said he wanted to remind people about the resurgence of violence in the South under Thaksin's administration.

"The disappearance of residents was the main reason violence flared up in the region," he said.

To this day, the former Thaksin government has not been able to explain the Krue Se killings, he said.

Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the launch of the book "Don't Let Anyone Torch Our Thailand Again", written by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

The book details the events leading to last year's riots involving the red shirts, which Suthep said should set the record straight on a few points. Part of the revenues from the sale of the book will go to flood-relief operations in the South.

Although yesterday also saw the Bhum Jai Thai Party celebrating its third anniversary, its ranking members, such as Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai, showed up to congratulate the Democrats.

The coalition partner marked its anniversary with a big gala hosted by party leader Chaovarat Chanweera-kul and faction leader Newin Chidchob at Bhum Jai Thai headquarters. The celebration was highlighted by the distribution of 1.5 million photographs of His Majesty as well as stickers proclaiming "My Home Loves the King".

-- The Nation 2011-04-07