Democrats won't bend on coalition

Abhisit says policies must align first

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday his party would strictly adhere to the conditions it set during the election campaign when deciding whether to join a new coalition government.

Speaking after a meeting between party executives and newly-elected MPs who have yet to be endorsed, Mr Abhisit said the party can confirm it will stand by every condition announced during the race.

"There's no need to wait for any calls," he said, responding to a question of how the party would respond if it was approached to be part of the coalition.

Asked whether the Democrats had firmly closed the door on having any partners, Mr Abhisit said the party's stance remains unchanged from the conditions and policies it mapped out during the election campaign.

During the campaign, Mr Abhisit outlined three key principles guiding any decision to join a coalition.