SURAT THANI, Thailand: Just days after facing down pressure from pro-Thaksin groups, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva hit the campaign trail ahead of this week's by-elections in the southern province of Surat Thani.

The region has long been solidly Democrat, but after a few defeats in recent polls, the Thai leader is not taking any chances.

This Sunday's by-elections will gauge the latest support level for the party, at a time when political divisions are sharper than ever.

Mr Abhisit said: "We haven't had a by-election in the South for quite some time, so certainly people will view it as a test of the party's popularity. The by-election proves that there is a healthy process of democracy, because otherwise all of the pictures that people see are often just demonstrations and worse than that, violence."

The initial signs were looking good, as thousands cheered the prime minister when he turned up for a campaign rally in downtown Surat Thani.

Things have been shaky of late for the prime minister. He was unsuccessful in appointing his pick for police chief, a sign that he lacks the necessary authority, said critics. But Mr Abhisit maintained he is firmly the one in charge and has been telling the crowd that their support is what encourages him to fight on.

Working with the Thai police has been a problem for Mr Abhisit. They are seen as staunch supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, since the former prime minister was a police lieutenant-colonel.

The Thai police were blamed for not stopping the pro-Thaksin red shirt supporters, when they disrupted the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya in April.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) also alleged that police are deliberately stalling the investigation into the assassination attempt on political figure Sondhi Limthongkul.

When Mr Abhisit failed to win support for his appointee, almost immediately, there was talk he was losing his grip on power - which he disputed.

He said: "From what I see, the difficulty at the moment is that the police has been very politicised over the last few years. My view is clear. I think we do have two to three good candidates and I shall continue to propose who I think is the best choice."

Forging a working relationship among political groups, as well as ensuring law enforcement, are key tasks for the Thai leader.

But with the Thai king warning that the split could ruin the country, it is an uphill battle which could determine Mr Abhisit's political survival.

-http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1000549/1/.html

Possibly he was on Samui on Sunday, that's what i was hearing anyway & saw there was a Convoy of Range Rovers that nearly killed a load of Motorcycyclists coming round the Bophut/Fisherman's Village turning & there was a Plane landed shortly before it that was not BA or Thai & was a serious looking Private Jet..

Possibly he was on Samui on Sunday, that's what i was hearing anyway & saw there was a Convoy of Range Rovers that nearly killed a load of Motorcycyclists coming round the Bophut/Fisherman's Village turning & there was a Plane landed shortly before it that was not BA or Thai & was a serious looking Private Jet..

You mean to say he didn't get a taxi, perhaps he didn't fancy getting turned over