Democrats, Bhum Jai Thai mark their birthdays - quietly

[webfact]

Democrats, Bhum Jai Thai mark their birthdays - quietly
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- TWO POLITICAL parties marked their birth quietly yesterday, with their leaders refusing to make political comments as the junta's orders are still in effect.

Yet despite being quiet, key party leaders are regularly meeting their constituents in preparation for the next general election, which is expected to take place early next year.

The Democrat Party, Thailand's oldest, celebrated its 69th anniversary with a ceremony at its headquarters. Attending were key party figures, party members, and members of other political parties such as Bhum Jai Thai, Chart Pattana and Chart Thai Pattana.

Chuan Leekpai, former Democrat leader and ex-prime minister, told participants that he had to avoid making political comments publicly in line with the demands of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

"But as representatives of the people, we still work and take care of people in our constituencies," he said.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the representatives were now "unemployed" as the House of Representatives had been dissolved and the military had taken over. "But for us, we have no 'summer breaks'. We meet our constituents all the time," he said.

The Bhum Jai Thai Party also marked its sixth anniversary yesterday, by holding a similar function at its headquarters with key party figures and members in attendance as well as politicians from other political parties.

Speaking at the ceremony, party leader Anutin Chanweerakul said this was the first time since the May 22 coup that Bhum Jai Thai's party members had got together.

He said the function was to make merit to mark the party's birthday, adding that it was not a "political gathering", as that has been banned by the junta.

Anutin said his party was backing the NCPO's efforts to restore peace and happiness to the country.

"Everybody wants our country to be strong and for all the people to smile," he said. "Bhum Jai Thai is ready to cooperate with the authorities. Once democracy is restored, we will be ready to serve the country."

Anutin also stressed that no Bhum Jai Thai politicians had made any political moves.

"All the party's politicians have their areas of responsibility. We are visiting people in our constituencies regularly," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Democrats-Bhum-Jai-Thai-mark-their-birthdays--quie-30257518.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-07

[BSJ]

I like the colour of their polo shirts. Would it be a fashion faux pas if a farang was to wear one?