The Democrats have again failed to elect a new party leader and executive committee at a general meeting today (Sunday), as they lacked a quorum. It is the second failed attempt, after the July 9th general meeting collapsed for the same reason.
The meeting was held at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok and was supposed to start at 9.30am. Present where former party leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Jurin Laksanawisit and former secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on, along with other key party members.
Sutham Rahong, the party’s director, informed the audience, however, that only 210 members were present, which was short of the 250 required to make up a quorum, and he suggested waiting for another hour, hoping that more would arrive.
Chalerm was seen repeatedly walking in and out of the convention hall to check if there were still party members outside. He later asked reporters not to leave yet, telling them that there would be a major news conference after the meeting.
At 10.36am, Sutham informed the meeting that only 223 members were present and that he would discuss the matter with the acting executive committee, which decided to call the meeting off for today.
A frustrated Chalermchai told the media that the lack of a quorum today was not natural, but was orchestrated by someone inside to undermine the party.
Without naming names, he accused the perpetrators of lobbying party members to boycott the meeting. He also told the media that he is ready to quit the party if someone think she is an obstacle.
