Thailand’s oldest political party, the Democrat Party, joins the ruling coalition led by Pheu Thai, ending a two-decade rivalry, while new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finalizes her cabinet.
Thailand’s oldest political party, the Democrat Party, is joining the ruling coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party. As new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares her cabinet, the Democrat Party will nominate its leader, Chalermchai Sri-On, along with secretary-general Dej-Is Khaothong for ministerial roles.
With 25 Democrat lawmakers supporting Pheu Thai, this collaboration helps offset the no longer supported 40 members of the Palang Pracharath Party. This alliance gives the coalition control of approximately 300 of the 500 lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
The partnership marks a significant shift, ending a long-standing rivalry between the Democrat Party and the Shinawatra clan. As Paetongtarn finalizes her cabinet, expected appointments include Phumtham Wechayachai as defense minister and Pichai Naripthaphan as commerce minister.
