Former Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he will not interfere in the rift between the party and Bangkok’s governor.
Mr Suthep made clear his stance on the conflict between his old party and MR Sukhumbhand Paritabra, saying he had no intention to stepping in to mend fences because he is no longer a party member, according to Matichon Online.
Mr Suthep stands with Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Patibatra at Koh Samui Festival 2016 on Sunday. (Photo by Supapong Chaolan)
Speculation surfaced that the now-Muan Maha Prachachon for Reform Foundation chairman might mediate the dispute after he made separate appearances with both Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and MR Sukhumbhand at Samui Festival 2016 on the Surat Thani resort island over the weekend.
Mr Suthep, a former Surat Thani politician, was a power broker who fully supported Mr Abhisit for prime minister and also was an influential party member before resigning two years ago to lead street rallies against then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government.
The Democrats cut ties with MR Sukhumbhand, who is a deputy leader, last Thursday after trying in vain to talk to him about alleged irregularities in projects carried out by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The Bangkok governor remained tight-lipped after his return from Portugal on Saturday, but his team said on Friday that he remained a party member.