SAP to quit Thai coalition

SAP to quit Thai coalition

BANGKOK (AP): An advisor to the Social Action Party has said he is absolutely sure it will pull out of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai's coalition government, the Bangkok Post reported on Monday.

The move, however, would not cause the coalition to collapse and was not motivated by any disagreement with Chuan or his policies.

Montri Pongpanich, who once headed the party and is now its chief advisor, said the problem was bitter and divisive infighting among its 20 lawmakers over Cabinet seats up for grabs in an imminent reshuffle.

If the SAP leaves, Chuan's coalition would still have a strong majority in Parliament with 225 lawmakers to the opposition's 152. The opposition is led by the New Aspiration Party of former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.