Ex-Thai Premier calls for national unity

BANGKOK, August 19 (TNA) - Former Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa has called for unity in Thailand, saying that politicians should work for the people of the country. Speaking on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Sunday, Mr. Banharn said that every political party was a friend, regardless of their affiliation with the government or opposition. Mr. Banharn, who is chair of the board of advisors to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, also flatly denied the possibility of merging his political party with another entity. Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai-led government, under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, will soon present its annual report, a year after its administration. Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit told reporters that members of his party would discuss on Tuesday on plans by the government to present its achievements while in office. Mr. Prompong said party members would also confer measures to counter a no-confidence debate by the opposition Democrat Party. So far, the Democrat Party has not yet submitted its no-confidence motion to the house speaker. (TNA)