Coalition problem will not lead to House dissolution

Deputy Leader of the ruling Democrat party Chalermchai Sri-on expressed his belief that a problem between Democrat and the coalition Bhumjaithai over the selection of a new police chief would not lead to a House dissolution.

Mr Chalermthai said the PM had assured him of the Government’s stability and vowed to do his best to resolve the problem over the police top post race. He added that a Police Commission meeting had seen “differences of opinions” over the selection of a new police chief on 20 August as members of the commission had not discussed the matter together before the meeting. He said the commission’s failure to appoint a new Police Commissioner-General did not suggest that the 2 parties were in conflict.

Prime Minister and Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s nomination of a new police chief, Police General Pratheep Tunprasert, was rejected by the commission on 20 August with 5:4 votes. Bhumjaithai party reportedly disagreed with the PM’s nomination.

The deputy leader of Democrat said he believed the problem over the new police chief selection would be ended by frank talks between the 2 parties.