Puea Thai Party Divided Over Leadership

[sriracha john]

Chalerm refuses to act as Puea Thai Party Leader

BANGKOK, 19 May 2009 (NNT) - Prominent MP of the Puea Thai Party Chalerm Yubamrung today told reporters that he would not sit in the position of the Party Leader in replacement of Yongyuth Wichaidit.

Chalerm said, with humor, that he was not well-mannered and often used harsh language which disqualified him from being the Party Leader.

He said there were many other people suitable to be a Puea Thai Party Leader, such as Deputy House Speaker Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai.

Puea Thai Party was formed after the People’s Power Party was dissolved.

Up to now, Puea Thai Party has had three Leaders with Yongyuth as the current Leader.

-- NNT 2009-05-19

[animatic]

The same people calling the shots even while banned.

Newin calls shots for his faction... BAD!!! Travesty curruption

Thaksin calls shots... He's just fighting for democracy.

Hypocracy 1 Democracy 0

[sriracha john]

Nakhon Ratchasima MP Tipped as New Pheu Thai Party Leader

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai Phaetprasert has denied knowledge that he will be appointed the next Pheu Thai Party Leader to replace Yongyuth Wichaidit, who resigned on Monday.

There has been speculation that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra wanted Somchai, a Nakhon Ratchasima MP, as new Pheu Thai Party Leader.

However, Somchai has denied knowledge that he will be appointed the next Leader as he said the decision will be made after the meeting of Party Executive Board.

He added that he did not visit Thaksin in Dubai and that he might be a candidate for the next Party Leader because of his role in the Pheu Thai Party.

Deputy House Speaker Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai was reportedly in the race as well, but Thaksin has reportedly changed his mind because he felt Somchai's qualifications better matches the current political situation.

-- Tan Network 2009-05-19

[Journalist]

Chaisit is like the nerdy, uncoordinated kid no one wants pick to be on their sports team....

With his outstretched hand waving wildly while he jumps up and down going, "Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick MEEEEEE!"

That does not happen in real life on the school playing fields.

In real life the kid not getting chosen stands very very quietly, as his inevitable last place selection becomes apparent.

Its the same mistake that women make about guys watching strippers. They think we hoot and holler (and thats why they scream when they are seeing Chippendales / male strippers, because they think that is the correct reaction). In actual fact, we just sit very quietly watching the dancers.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin has reportedly changed his mind because he felt Somchai's qualifications better matches the current political situation.

Puea Thai Party MP Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai Petprasert enjoys wide-spread support in Parliament

[sriracha john]

Somchai not commenting on his rumored appointment as Puea Thai Party Leader

BANGKOK, 19 May 2009 (NNT) – Puea Thai Party MP for Nakhon Ratchasima Somchai Petprasert refused to comment on the speculations that he had been appointed as Puea Thai Party Leader by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai said he had no knowledge of the news that the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin had positioned him as Puea Thai Party Leader.

He said he would not make any comment on the matter until after the meeting of the Party’s executives.

In regards to his possible nomination to be the Party Leader, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai said that the reason might be his status as a senior member and his active role in the Party.

However, the Puea Thai Party MP suggested that the incoming Party Leader must work to his or her utmost ability in driving the Party forward.

In addition, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai dismissed the rumor that he had traveled to meet Thaksin in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

-- NNT 2009-05-19

[sriracha john]

Actually, quite a few comments for someone who

said he would not make any comment on the matter

His disassociation between what he says and what he does should mark him as a prime candidate as PTP Party Leader.

Edited May 19, 2009 by sriracha john

[animatic]

: :D

Edited May 19, 2009 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Thailand's opposition searching for new leader

BANGKOK -- Thailand's opposition Puea Thai Party is screening qualification of key members for the Party's Leader post to replace Yongyuth Wichaidit, who resigned on Monday. 　

According to news reports, ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated MP Somchai Phaetprasert would be suitable for the Party's Leader.

Somchai, who is the MP of a northeastern province of Nakorn Ratchasima, is presently Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs.

However, Somchai on Tuesday denied of making any comment concerning the leadership proposal saying that all should wait for the Party's final decision.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party's famous MP Chalerm Yoobamrung said he was not suitable for the Party's leadership.

Chalerm, with four other politicians, reportedly traveled to Dubai last week to talk with Thaksin, who is seen as the behind-the-scene leader of the country's opposition.

As he said he is not qualified for the job due to his personality, Chalerm has suggested Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai might be suitable for the leadership job.

- Xinhua / 2009-05-19

[sriracha john]

Somchai gets Thaksin's backing

Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has given the nod for Pheu Thai Party's Nakhon Ratchasima MP Somchai Petprasert to become the new Party Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, an MP said yesterday.

Pheu Thai Party Party-list MP Sunai Julapongsathorn said some MPs had talked to Thaksin about who should be the new Party Leader.

He ruled out Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai assuming the post saying Thaksin wanted a highly experienced and long-time politician to helm the Party as he believed only a person of such calibre could deal with the Democrats.

"Thaksin has made the decision and will not change his mind," Sunai said.

Somchai refused to be interviewed about the reports regarding him saying he would wait for the Party's resolution.

Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit rejected the report that Somchai was the favourite to be new Party Leader, saying it was just a rumour spread by his supporters.

He said the Party made a resolution on Monday that the new Party Leader must be an MP so that he could coordinate within the Party and House. The decision on who will be the new Party Leader will depend on the Party meeting on May 31.

Asked if Thaksin would have a say in the decision, Prompong said no. "The party leaders and party members in each region will be making the decision. Thaksin does not have the power to dictate the matter," he said.

Meanwhile Chairman of Pheu Thai Party MPs Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would not accept the Party Leader's post, adding jokingly that he did not have the charisma and was way too aggressive to be a Party Leader. He said Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai, Pheu Thai Party's Nonthaburi MP, was more suitable for the post.

-- The Nation 2009-05-20

[webfact]

Somchai gets Thaksin's backing

Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has given the nod for Pheu Thai Party's Nakhon Ratchasima MP Somchai Petprasert to become the new Party Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, an MP said yesterday.

Pheu Thai Party Party-list MP Sunai Julapongsathorn said some MPs had talked to Thaksin about who should be the new Party Leader.

He ruled out Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai assuming the post saying Thaksin wanted a highly experienced and long-time politician to helm the Party as he believed only a person of such calibre could deal with the Democrats.

"Thaksin has made the decision and will not change his mind," Sunai said.

Somchai refused to be interviewed about the reports regarding him saying he would wait for the Party's resolution.

Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit rejected the report that Somchai was the favourite to be new Party Leader, saying it was just a rumour spread by his supporters.

He said the Party made a resolution on Monday that the new Party Leader must be an MP so that he could coordinate within the Party and House. The decision on who will be the new Party Leader will depend on the Party meeting on May 31.

Asked if Thaksin would have a say in the decision, Prompong said no. "The party leaders and party members in each region will be making the decision. Thaksin does not have the power to dictate the matter," he said.

Meanwhile Chairman of Pheu Thai Party MPs Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would not accept the Party Leader's post, adding jokingly that he did not have the charisma and was way too aggressive to be a Party Leader. He said Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai, Pheu Thai Party's Nonthaburi MP, was more suitable for the post.

-- The Nation 2009-05-20

Yeah, under no circumstances lose face.... He isn't offended is he? T. did not choose him? Thought Chalerm was his most faithful man and confident.

What's it all about?

[Plus]

- Pheu Thai Party Party-list MP Sunai Julapongsathorn said some MPs had talked to Thaksin about who should be the new Party Leader.

- "Thaksin has made the decision and will not change his mind," Sunai said.

- Asked if Thaksin would have a say in the decision, Prompong [Pheu Thai Party Spokesman] said no. "The party leaders and party members in each region will be making the decision. Thaksin does not have the power to dictate the matter," he said.

>>>

It's not even double speak!

[sriracha john]

Puea Thai Party to let Thaksin pick 5 executives

Five of the 21 new executives of the opposition Puea Thai Party, to be named by the end of the month, are being handpicked by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a party source says.

Puea Thai Party will restructure its board on May 31 during the Party's general assembly in a bid to strengthen the Party ahead of the new general elections.

Under the new structure, the Party will have a 21-member Executive Board as well as an Advisory Board. Sitting on the Executive Board will be five members nominated by Thaksin, seven representing the banned former executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, and another nine nominated by the Puea Thai Party MPs, the source said. Some former executives of the TRT would also become Advisers to the Party, the source said.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-20

[sriracha john]

Thaksin Plays Major Influence on Pheu Thai Party's Reform

Fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly a major influence on the scheduled reshuffle of the opposition Pheu Thai Party. The plan will be decided and concluded at the upcoming Party meeting at the end of this month.

A well-informed source has reported that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives outside Thailand in exile, is widely known as Pheu Thai Party's financier, and has maneuvered a plan to reorganize the structure of the Party himself.

Following the plan, the number of the Party’s Executive Board members will be reduced to 21, with three factions including five of Thaksin’s close aides, seven from the group of 111 banned politicians of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, and 9 from the current Pheu Thai Party members.

Regarding the selection of top positions in the Party’s Executive Board, the Party Leader and the Secretary-General are primarily required to work as insiders or MPs of the Pheu Thai Party, in order to make further moves in association with other Pheu Thai Party MPs in the Lower House.

However, the Party Leader and the Secretary-General of the Party could be chosen from outsiders if the party cannot find anyone suitable for the positions.

With full support from Thaksin and key Party member Chalerm Yoobamrung , Pheu Thai Party MP of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Somchai Petprasert , is expected to become the next Party Leader, despite opposition from many factions in the Party.

The source believes Thaksin chose Somchai as the next Party Leader because Somchai has compromised with members in the Party and other parties. He may be able to join hands with the Democrat Party to establish a national reconciliation government, if Parliament is dissolved.

Somchai is thought to be ready to step down from the top post, to pave the way for other appropriate candidates for the position when the House is dissolved.

Regarding the Secretary-General position, the source said Thaksin is supporting Santi Prompat. Santi, however, has denied the rumour, adding that he has not talked with Thaksin for a long time and he does not even know where he is.

-- Tan Network 2009-05-20

[sriracha john]

Pheu Thai Party MP Police Lieutenant Chaowarin Latthasaksiri

Pheu Thai to discuss new leader selection during seminar today

Pheu Thai MP Chaowarin Latthasaksiri said Thursday that the party will discuss the selection of its new leader during a party seminar later in the day.

Party members will vote for the new leader on May 31, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-05-21

[sriracha john]

Pheu Thai Party MP Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung

Chalerm won't be Pheu Thai leader

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung reaffirmed on Thursday that he would not seek the post of Leader of Pheu Thai Party, saying he was not ready and not suitable for the job.

He said the decision had nothing to do with concerns that the Party could be dissolved and that the Leader would then be banned from politics for five years.

Chalerm admitted that he had visited ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai but said that they did not discuss politics or who should be the new Pheu Thai Leader.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-21

Edited May 21, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Police Captain Chalerm denies leading Puea Thai Party

BANGKOK, 21 May 2009 (NNT) - Chairman of the Puea Thai Party MPs Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung dismissed speculation that he would assume the post of Puea Thai Party Leader.

Puea Thai Party MP Police Captain Chalerm stated that he was not ready to lead the Party, not because he was afraid that the Party would be resolved.

He said there were several qualified and capable individuals inside the party who were suitable for the post.

Police Captain Chalerm added further that he had visited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai to discuss business matters without talking about Thai politics.

-- NNT 2009-05-21

================================================

I believe NNT intended to use the word "dissolved" and not "resolved" in the 2nd paragraph.

Edited May 21, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Chalerm admitted that he had visited ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai but said that they did not discuss politics or who should be the new Pheu Thai Leader.

Police Captain Chalerm added further that he had visited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai to discuss business matters without talking about Thai politics.

Since he knows his exact location, will the Police Captain provide help to the Police in locating the Police Lieutenant-Colonel fugitive on the run from the Police?

[oldsparrow]

Thai Consul in Dubai is not too unfriendly to Thaksin I heard...

[sriracha john]

Payap Shinawatra and Chalerm Yoobumroong

Outspoken Pheu Thai Party MP Refuses Leader Post

The younger brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said selection of the Pheu Thai Party’s new Leader should be based mainly on the candidate’s qualifications, adding that a non-MP could take the post.

Meanwhile, the Party’s most-seasoned MP has declined to take the post, saying he is not ready.

Pheu Thai Party MP Chalerm Yoobumroong , a veteran politician, insisted his refusal to assume the party's leadership is not because of his concern that he might be banned from politics if the party is dissolved. He said he is not ready to take the post. Chalerm said several other members are qualified to lead the party, adding that the successful candidate must be an MP to act as opposition leader in the House.

Chalerm also said his recent meeting with exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the United Arab Emirates concerned business, not politics.

He also revealed that Thaksin now holds six passports, but could not confirm news reports that Jakrapob Penkair, a leader of the red-shirt Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, had recently stayed with Thaksin.

The Thai government recently revoked Thaksin's passport.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's younger brother, Payap Shinawatra, a Pheu Thai Party MP, said the party's new leader must be able to build party unity and bring prosperity to the country.

Payap said the new leader must have a fundamental understanding of the economy, public administration, and politics, but does not need to currently be an MP.

-- Tan Network 2009-05-21

======================================

AFAIK, Payap is not a MP.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin Shinawatra's sister Yingluk Shinawatra and Thaksin's brother-in-law (married to Thaksin's other sister Yaowapa Shinawatra [TRT Banned # 13]) Somchai Wongsawat

Ex-PM Somchai denies communicating with Thaksin

BANGKOK, 21 May 2009 (NNT) - Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat [PPP Banned # 5] denied claims that he had recently contacted his brother-in-law and fugitive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra [TRT Banned # 1] to discuss reorganization within the Puea Thai Party, asserting that the Shinawatra family was not bent on controlling the Party.

Somchai spoke today of the current search for a new Puea Thai Party Leader, saying that the most suitable candidate must be fluent in economics and also have a capable team to support him or her.

He viewed that although it was not compulsory for the new Leader to be an MP, the status would certainly benefit the Party and the Opposition as the Leader could then be active in the Parliament.

The former Prime Minister affirmed however that the matter had not been discussed with Thaksin, claiming that both he and the fugitive premier had fully abstained from politics.

When asked about the possibility of Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluk Shinawatra to take the role of Puea Thai Party Secretary-General, Somchai remarked that she was a suitable candidate for the posting, but noted that the decision would be completely up to the Party itself.

Somchai desisted from commenting whether the Government had been exercising a double standard, suggesting only that the administration should work to remedy the problems in the daily life of the public.

-- NNT 2009-05-21

Edited May 21, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Will this be Resignation Attempt # 4?

Legal technicalities:

No leader / no Party.

No expected honesty in the ranks during campaigns / no replacement leader willing to risk a ban.

No balls / still in job you hate...

Resignation attempt #5 in 1 month.

Stay tuned for headlines.

Excellent Call a full 4 days before the event wins a prize...

Yongyuth to carry on as Pheu Thai Party Leader; MPs to lobby Thaksin in Dubai

Outgoing Pheu Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit has decided to cancel his resignation and will carry on his job, Chief Opposition Whip Wittaya Buranasiri said on Friday.

"Yongyuth has expressed his intent to quit, but not yet formally submitted his resignation, therefore he is still the Party Leader," Wittaya said.

Party sources said Yongyuth's about-turn after key figures in the Party had a big disagreement on who should be his successor.

A number of Pheu Thai Party MPs have reportedly planned to travel to Dubai by next Thursday to convince ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to withdrawal his support for MP Somchai Phaetprasert from Nakhon Ratchasima as the new Party Leader.

-- The Nation 2009-05-22

Edited May 22, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Yongyuth clings to party leadership

Puea Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Vichaidit, who said earlier that he would step down, has had a change of heart and decided to stay on in the job a while longer, Opposition Chief Whip Witthaya Buranasiri said on Friday.

Yongyuth earlier announced he would stand down to make way for a new Leader and new Board under a plan to restructure and strengthen the main opposition party ahead of the next general election.

Witthaya refused to explain why Yongyuth changed his mind, but said the decision had nothing to do with Thaksin Shinawatra. Some party MPs are expected to meet Thaksin overseas next week to discuss who should be the new leader.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-22

Edited May 22, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Yongyuth in U-turn over standing down as Pheu Thai Party Leader

Yongyuth Wichaidit, Leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, yesterday made an about-turn on his decision to resign his position, amidst growing disagreement about his successor.

A party source said a suitable successor had yet to be found, as the available candidates from within the Party, such as Chalerm Yoobamrung and Mingkwan Sangsuwan, were not widely acceptable to their colleagues.

Chalerm's rise to the party leadership is expected to attract more animosity and criticism towards the Party, while Mingkwan is viewed as "lacking charisma", according to the source.

"Pheu Thai is not in a hurry to find a new Party Leader. The current position-holder is merely waiting to be replaced. The real one will come before the next general election," the source said.

According to the source, among the leading candidates for the top Party post would be economics expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat, with former Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya expected to join the Party's Executive Board.

"They will be the Party's selling point at a time of economic hardship," the source added.

Key Pheu Thai Party figures yesterday said Yongyuth would remain as the Party Leader.

"Yongyuth expressed his intent to quit, but has not yet formally submitted his resignation, therefore he is still the Party Leader," said Pheu Thai Party MP Wittaya Buranasiri, who is the Opposition Chief Whip.

MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul said there would be no changes in the Party's Executive Committee in the near future and therefore Yongyuth would remain as Party Leader for some time.

Party sources said Yongyuth's about-turn came after key figures in the Party had a major disagreement on who should be his successor.

A number of Pheu Thai MPs reportedly plan to travel to Dubai by next Thursday in an effort to convince ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to withdraw his support for Nakhon Ratchasima MP Somchai Phaetprasert as the next Party Leader.

Somchai has received Thaksin's blessing, but many doubt his leadership potential.

The main opposition party has scheduled to hold a meeting on May 31 to discuss the leadership issue.

A party source said many MPs from the North and Northeast had agreed to support Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is a non-MP member, as the Party's next Secretary-General.

Another candidate for an executive post is former Transport Minister Santi Prompat, who is viewed as "courageous and reliable", according to the source.

-- The Nation 2009-05-23

[HagenvonTronje]

Puea Thai party willing to take Mr. Korbsak as member

BANGKOK, 23 May 2009 (NNT) – The Puea Thai party has expressed its willingness to take Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu as the party’s new member, believing that he could work alongside with everyone in the party.

Mr. Suchart Lainamngern, a Lop Buri MP from Puea Thai party, said today that if Mr. Korbsak wanted to join his party, Puea Thai would be more than pleased to welcome him as Mr. Korbsak was a capable man with extensive experiences.

Mr. Suchart expressed his belief that Mr. Korbsak would be able to work alongside with all Puea Thai members including former deputy prime minister Olarn Chaipravat who was expected to be in charge of economic affairs if the Puea Thai party rose to power. The MP said the two people used to work closely together.

-- NNT 23 May 2009

article here

[sriracha john]

Pheu Thai chief Yongyuth wants to stay on

The move to find a new Pheu Thai Party Leader has met with a hiccup with the current Party Leader having changed his mind on resigning and party members resisting the new Leader reportedly supported by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, sources said yesterday.

Thaksin reportedly backs Nakhon Ratchasima MP Somchai Petprasert to replace Yongyuth Wichaidit, who had tendered his resignation to the Party Registrar. The latest report says Yongyuth has changed his stance, refusing to step down even though the Party has scheduled a meeting on May 31 to elect a Party Executive Board and a new Leader.

Several members have shown an appetite to succeed Yongyuth, including Yasothon MP Peerapan Palusuk, Ayuthaya MP Withaya Buranasiri, Phrae MP Worawat Uaapiyakul, Khon Kaen MP Somsak Kiatsuranant, Nonthaburi MP Apiwan Wiriyachai and Party-list MP Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Thaksin's push for Somchai as the new Party Leader has met with an undercurrent within the Party, causing Thaksin to change his mind on Thursday about who has the better calibre.

Seeing internal fighting for the post, Yongyuth reportedly had second thoughts about stepping down.

Somchai denied he had left the country to meet Thaksin or that he wanted to head the party, saying whoever rose to the post at this time would only be an interim leader and would meet with strong opposition from several rival groups.

He said that if the Party could not come up with a new Leader on May 31, the MP with the most seniority should head the Party as a figurehead to end infighting. "If we are not united, we cannot move forward as a Party, and if an outsider or a non-MP is appointed, the Party will not be able to manage parliamentary affairs,'' he said.

Meanwhile Nong Bua Lamphu MP Chaiya Promma demanded that Yongyuth honour his word by stepping down.

He said the Party had two options, either to select a Party MP as an interim leader or to select an outstanding non-MP who was strong on the economy, such as Alarn Chaiprawat, as leader. He said that if the Party wanted to be an institution it should not just wait for instructions from "the top".

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Kanawat Wasinsangorn said most MPs opposed the move to change the Party Leader and Party Executive Boards now as they wanted to see how Article 237 of the Constitution regarding party dissolution was amended.

Pheu Thai Party chief Bangkok MP Wicharn Meenchainant said there was no need to rush to choose a new Party Leader and Executive Board before a general election as rifts within the Party could widen if members did not accept the new Leader.

-- The Nation 2009-05-24

[sriracha john]

Puea Thai in a quandary

Next Sunday's key Puea Thai meeting was thrown into uncertainty yesterday after party members agreed they were still struggling to find worthy new executives and a leader to run the opposition party. Puea Thai Party Deputy Leader Kanawat Wasinsangworn yesterday consulted Leader Yongyuth Vichaidit about the forthcoming general assembly to select the new Party head and board members, but nothing came out of it.

Many have been invited but they are reluctant to sit on the executive committee of the party. Few are interested in replacing Yongyuth, who is a non-MP, as Party Leader, either.

Many have backed off because of the unclear direction of the charter amendments as they do not want to risk facing punishment in the form of a five-year political ban stated in the present constitution for poll fraud.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-24

[Ricardo]

Maybe they should invite former-PM Samak back to the snake-pit ?

Or perhaps not, since he stood up to Departed-Leader, who has quit Thai politics for good, but just can't seem to resist pulling the strings, when not instigating civil-war, or looking for gold-mines in Africa ?

[otherstuff1957]

Pheu Thai Party MP Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung reaffirmed on Thursday that he would not seek the post of Leader of Pheu Thai Party, saying he was not ready and not suitable for the job.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-21

^ Well, he's telling the truth there!

He said the decision had nothing to do with concerns that the Party could be dissolved and that the Leader would then be banned from politics for five years.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-21

^ But he's lying there!

[frodo]

Puea Thai in a quandary

Many have backed off because of the unclear direction of the charter amendments as they do not want to risk facing punishment in the form of a five-year political ban stated in the present constitution for poll fraud.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-24

Almost sounds like a "guilty" plea or an acknowledgment of an upcoming poll fraud.