PM unconcerned over joint political engagement between CTP-BJT

BANGKOK, 15 March 2011 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced no concern over political alignment of coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party and Bhumjaithai Party, ahead of the general election, saying whether they will gain growing bargaining power or not depends on voters.

Speaking about the recently-announced joint political standpoint between the two coalition parties, Prime Minister Abhisit stated that it was their rights to do so, and it did not mean that both parties would have to join force with the Democrat Party in forming a new government after the election.

Key members of the coalition Chart Thai Pattana and Bhumjaithai Parties, including their party leaders, MPs, executives, and ministerial post holders numbering about 80 in total, on Monday had a working lunch at Siam City Hotel where they announced a joint political standpoint and engagement from that day on.

The two parties committed that they would protect the monarchy, create unity within the nation, and, after the election, share all political decisions.