Two prominent families to fight for domination in Surat Thani by-election

SURAT THANI: -- The opposition Pheu Thai Party has endorsed the candidacy of Somphol Wichaidit, brother of party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, for the by-election in Surat Thani.

The race is billed as the proxy battle by the brothers from two prominent families.

The by-election, scheduled for August 30, is to fill the House seat vacated by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban who voluntarily resigned following his involvement in the share-holding case.

Pending the official endorsement by the Democrat Party, Suthep has named his brother Thanee Thuagsuban as his successor.

-- The Nation 2009-07-28

Pending the official endorsement by the Democrat Party, Suthep has named his brother Thanee Thuagsuban as his successor.

This explains why Thani did not run in the by-elections for the PAO chairman last Sunday, which was caused by his election fraud as ruled by the Election Committee. He was however only yellow-carded as it was considered a minor fraud, so was eligible to run for the same post again. Instead his cousin Damrong Thaugsuban run (and lost) in this local election.