PHEU THAI PARTY'S RIFT

Chalerm urges unity, blocks out Sudarat

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chalerm Yoobamrung, chief MP of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, is calling for unity among party MPs even though he seems to be furious with party adviser Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan for allegedly interfering in the party.

The veteran politician said it was difficult enough for the Pheu Thai MPs to fight against the ruling Democrat Party without having internal problems.

"We are engaged in a war now and should avoid fighting among ourselves. It would be better us to form an army that is united. Fighting the Democrats is difficult enough already," he said.

At a press briefing he had called yesterday afternoon in the Opposition whips' office in the Parliament, Chalerm said the conflict within the party was "over" and he no longer wished to discuss it. He said the party had appointed him as the chief debater in the upcoming censure debate at a meeting on Tuesday.

After the Tuesday meeting, the outspoken politician accused Sudarat - who was banned from politics after the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party - of interfering in Pheu Thai's affairs and blocking his chance of obtaining a senior executive post in the party.

Sudarat is close to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who has retained his influence among Pheu Thai politicians.

When asked if he would speak to Sudarat directly about the matter, Chalerm retorted: "Sudarat who? Who is she? I don't want to talk to her, or I may get jailed. She is not allowed to be involved in politics."

Meanwhile, the Chalerm-Sudarat dispute was played down by other senior party figures yesterday.

Witthaya Buranasiri, the chief Opposition whip, said there were no serious conflicts within Pheu Thai, adding that he did not think the issue would affect the party's performance during the upcoming no-confidence debate.

"Talking loudly is Chalerm's character, and lately he has been under some stress, so he needs to release the pressure," Witthaya said.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Kanawat Wasinsangworn described the issue as a "small problem", which he blamed on communication problems.

-- The Nation 2010-02-04

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One reason that Chalerm may not want to be the leader of Pheua Thai is fear of being banned for 5 years if the party is caught vote buying.

Where was it he once mentioned his son(s) would run in an election, somewhere in Issan? Anyone who voted for them really deserves to lose their voting rights.

Also there's rumours he won't censure Chawarat of Pumjaithai because he's thinking of joining them! Such an idealistic man.

Lovely oxymoron title

Chalerm urges unity, blocks out Sudarat

Urges unity and then drives a split in unity all in the same sentence.

Classic.

Lovely oxymoron title

Chalerm urges unity, blocks out Sudarat

Urges unity and then drives a split in unity all in the same sentence.

Classic.

Right, regarding unity, concerning Sudarat he is right too!

She's a banned politician!

But it reminds me on Samak, when he refused to take a humble Papaya from

a northern Resident with the excuse "people might think I am corruptible"!

That is how they are tuned. He might ist down with her and have dinner,

after all she is very close to his chosen boss and certainly not nobody!

Edited February 4, 201016 yr by Samuian