Bangkok: The Democrat Party has publicly shared four reasons for abstaining from voting in the recent election of the Speaker of the House. The party emphasized its dedication to performing duties honestly and collaborating with all parties for the country's benefit, while maintaining a foundation of fairness, respect, and dialogue.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, the Democrat Party spokesperson, detailed the reasons for the party's decision to abstain from the vote. He highlighted the necessity for unity within the opposition coalition, asserting that the nomination for Speaker of the House should have been a result of collective discussion among opposition parties. The People's Party's decision to nominate a candidate without prior consultation was a key factor in the Democrats' decision to abstain.

The spokesperson further referenced the spirit of the Constitution, particularly Article 106, which stipulates that the "Leader of the Opposition" must come from a party without members in the positions of Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House. The nomination by the leading opposition party appeared to contradict this legal responsibility, prompting concerns about the coherence of their role.

Mr. Kwanmuang also addressed the need for tangible results over mere interest generation. He stated that while the Democrat Party respects the nominee's vision, the parliamentary vote numbers already indicated the practical outcomes. The party perceived the nomination as a strategy to use parliamentary space for interest rather than a genuine victory effort, leading to their non-participation.

Lastly, the Democrat Party stressed the importance of maintaining its independence and ideology. The party is committed to effectively scrutinizing the government without aligning itself as a "servant party" to any entity. This independent stance, guided by party resolutions, ensures the preservation of the party's identity and ideology. The decision to abstain was made in this spirit of honest duty, with readiness to collaborate on matters beneficial to the nation, founded on fairness, respect, and dialogue.