Finally, the Pheu Thai-led coalition government of 11 parties has been formed and is expected to assume office either this week or early next week, depending on when the government's policy statement is delivered to parliament by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
However, the party's success came with a heavy price tag. That is its credibility which has been dented amid a loss of support from loyal backers for its broken promise concerning the "Two Loong" parties, in which they accepted the Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation parties into the coalition alliance after earlier swearing off them.
Among the loyalists who reacted negatively was Natthawut Saikua, director of the Pheu Thai Family, who announced his resignation in protest against the partnership, to take care of his restaurant in Nonthaburi. He later said he was surprised that his eatery was full of customers after his resignation.
Key party members, among them Dr Cholnan Srikaew, Phumtham Wechayachai and Srettha Thavisin, have defended their decision to swallow their own words, claiming they placed the public interest before keeping the party's interest in keeping its promises and that a stable government could never be formed without the two junta-affiliated parties due to the distorted nature of the constitution.
The inconvenient truth is that Mr Srettha's prime ministerial candidacy would not have received approval from senators in parliament on Aug 22 without behind-the-scenes intervention by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, wanted to scuttle Mr Srettha's candidacy so he might be the next candidate, reports suggest. He approached Gen Prayut, the other "loong" (uncle) referred to above, hoping he would persuade the senators under his sway to vote against Mr Srettha's candidacy or abstain. But Gen Prayut declined Gen Prawit's request.
Gen Prayut's smiling face as he greeted Mr Srettha and took him on a tour of Government House the other day after the parliament meeting is obvious testimony of their new relationship. This sudden change of attitude by Gen Prayut is in sharp contrast to his previous reactions when reporters asked him about Mr Srettha.
Well, as wise men say there are no permanent foes in politics, but mutual interests. Like it or not, this inconvenient truth has been proven right time and again.
The coincidental return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the same day of the selection of the prime minister in parliament and developments since, as well as the special treatment accorded to Thaksin, has raised disturbing questions about Thaksin's role in the formation of the government and his influence on the Pheu Thai Party.
Political events which occurred after his return, including the quick royal pardon shortening his imprisonment from eight years to one year seemed to provide the answer about Thaksin's role. The appointment of one of Thaksin's trusted men, Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, as the secretary-general of the prime minister, also is no coincidence.
That post is like a housekeeper who screens every issue or project to be considered by cabinet. So a project can be delayed or fast-tracked depending on this man.
The Pheu Thai Party's popularity has taken a plunge lately as demonstrated in most opinion polls. This issue will certainly have a long-term impact on the party and its prospects at the next election if not addressed in earnest. The big question is how the party can attract a new generation Thais the way the Move Forward Party has been doing successfully.
Otherwise the party may end up like the Democrat Party, which seems to be heading non-stop downhill. Party heavyweights such as Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan appear to be helpless to save the party.
Since Pheu Thai is in government and in control of all available resources, it is in a better position than the Move Forward Party to win back the support of the people by trying to fulfil its election pledges the best it can.
The challenges facing the government are enormous in the wake of the global economic slowdown and the threat drought as a result of the El Nino phenomenon, as well as falling exports and tourist arrivals.
There is no time for a honeymoon for the government and no time for intra-party bickering or the corruption scandals that tainted the Pheu Thai-led governments of the past.
Whatever the excuses used to justify the decision to join hands with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, the Pheu Thai Party has betrayed the trust of many of its supporters, including voters.
What the party and the government must do is spend the next four years (if it lasts late long) fulfilling its pledges the best it can for the good of the people with honesty and good governance. Perhaps it may win back the trust of its disillusioned supporters after all.
Veera Prateepchaikul is former editor, Bangkok Post.