Chalerm Denies Bitterness in Losing Race for Party Leader

The Pheu Thai Party chief MP claims a 'tight schedule' had kept him from attending the party's annual general meeting.

He denied resentment after being ruled out as a candidate for the party's leadership.

Pheu Thai Party Chief MP Police Captain Chalerm Yoobumrung said he is not attending his party's annual general meeting today because of a busy schedule.

He added that the meeting is generally about budget endorsement and does not include discussions about important issues, such as a review of the party's structure or selection of a new party leader.

Chalerm reiterated that he is not bitter over being ruled out as a candidate for the party's leadership, while all eyes are now on Thaksin's younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, and party-list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan.

However, he maintains that he will not run in the next elections should Mingkwan be appointed party leader.

The outspoken MP expressed disapproval of the announcement made by Mingkwan in which he claimed that he is ready to be prime minister.

Charlerm asserted that his colleague is no match for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the moment, and said that he would not object to Mingkwan's announcement if it came after he won the elections.

Even so, he believes that Mingkwan must have taken a cue from Thaksin to do so.

Meanwhile, the former cop said he is satisfied with the recent poll results that rated him at the top for his performance during the censure debate.

Charlem refused to comment on the formation of the Pracha Santi Party by Police Captain Purachai Piamsomboon, who is a co-founder of Thai Rak Thai Party, only saying that Purachai is a good man.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-22

Criminals, all these politician-turned police.

Sour grapes.

Or setting the stage for Yingluk, and himself as a Deputy PM.

Charlerm asserted that his colleague is no match for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the moment, and said that he would not object to Mingkwan's announcement if it came after he won the elections.

How would Mingkwan "win the election" if he is not PTP's selection for PM before the election?

If someone else was PTP's selection for PM, and PTP won the election, do you think their selection would stand aside for Mingkwan?

It seems to be that what they are saying is "vote for PTP and we'll tell you who will be PM later" ... at least until DL comes back.

Yingluck will be elected party leader because:

1) She has many years experience in party politics and many years as an elected politician. She can point to many pieces of successful legislation that she has sponsored.

or

2) Blood runs thicker than water. Mr. T. won't let you play with his money unless you use his his pieces.

Thaksin's financial backing moves votes - look out for the sister run from behind the field to the winning post! But of course [he] has nothing to do with PTP and vice versa - he only deals with Red Shirts - just ask him!

Yingluck will be elected party leader because:

1) She has many years experience in party politics and many years as an elected politician. She can point to many pieces of successful legislation that she has sponsored.

or

2) Blood runs thicker than water. Mr. T. won't let you play with his money unless you use his his pieces.

Im going to go with number 2. lol

Chalerm denies bitterness ---- but quits?

Then again he may be thinking ahead! Based upon TRT/PPP's history of getting caught cheating, getting out and avoiding a ban might not be a bad idea