Quote:Six-party coalition led by PPP confirmed: Banharn

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha on Monday confrimed that his party would join the coalition government led by the People Power Party and dismissed the allegation that he was trying to negotiate the allocation of Cabinet seats.

"Somchai Wongsawat agreed to accept the fivepoint demand, hence I told him that joining the government won't be a problem," he said in reference to the invitation by the People Power deputy leader for Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties to join the coalition alliance.

Banharn said he was pleased with the People Power's stand on national solidarity.

He said Chart Thai and Puea Pandin would hold a meeting on Wednesday to formally accept the invitation to join the People Powerled coalition.

He refused to comment whether his decision on the alliance would be a disappointment for his respected figure of 30 years. In his earlier remarks to claim his unwavering ties with the Democrats, he said he would not let down the man he respected for 30 years.

He also stated that he expected the allocation of ministerial portfolios to base on House seats won by each of the coalition partner. Chart Thai did not demand for seven to eight Cabinet seats for its 37 MPs as alleged, he said.

The Nation

Quote:Urgent: Samak to officially announce coalition at 2 pm

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej told a press conference Monday morning that his party and three other parties would announce their agreement to form a coalition at 2 pm.

Samak said the announcement would be made at the SC Park Hotel.

Samak did not name the three parties but they are believed to be the Matchima Thipataya, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Pracharaj parties.

Samak said the PPP would still welcome other parties to join the coalition.

The Nation

Quote:
Banharn: Chart Thai Party to join PPP-led coalition govt

Dec 31 (TNA) - Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa said on Monday his party would join a coalition government led by the People Power Party (PPP).

Quote:
Urgent: Samak annouces coalition now

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej held a press conference at the SC Park Hotel to announce the 254-MP coaliton.