Several Democrat members met yesterday to discuss the party's next move, with a focus on whether to join a coalition government or sit in opposition.
The meeting was called by senior Democrat member, Thaworn Senneam, who won a constituency seat in Songkhla. Mr Thaworn is believed to support joining the pro-regime Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in forming a coalition government.
Notably absent yesterday were former leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, acting leader Jurin Laksanavisit, acting party secretary-general Juti Krairiksh, deputy party leader Korn Chatikavanij and party adviser Banyat Bantadtan.
Speaking before the meeting, Mr Thaworn said the majority of elected MPs, who are yet to be endorsed by the Election Commission (EC), agreed that the party should form an alliance with the PPRP because it would provide the party with a chance to put its policies into effect.
Joining the opposition, Mr Thaworn said, would mean "The party then will have nothing to show to voters in return for their support should a political accident occur and snap elections be called."
The meeting was attended by several veterans including chief adviser Chuan Leekpai.
Mr Thaworn and Mr Chuan reportedly met for 15 minutes before the meeting began.
Those present agreed that the party would not make a decision regarding its stance on a coalition until after the EC officially announces the election result on May 9.
Mr Thaworn also said yesterday there would be more meetings.
Meanwhile, Thepthai Senpong, a Democrat candidate who won in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Constituency 3, yesterday defended the party's hesitation in offering a clear stance, saying the country was in a state of political deadlock right now.
"Even if the party joins a PPRP-led alliance, it would be a minority government with little political stability. If the party aligns with Pheu Thai, the coalition still could not muster the 376 votes to secure the prime minister of its choice," he said.
He said the current government might try to prolong the political deadlock because as long as there was no new government, this administration would remain in power.
Mr Thepthai did not attend the meeting in Bangkok but spent the day thanking his supporters in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Chulabhorn district.
