Asean Chief Surin Stays Out Of Race For Thai Democrat Post

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Asean chief stays out of race for Democrat post

By The Nation

Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan yesterday ruled himself out of the race for the next Democrat Party secretary-general, saying there were plenty of executive members who could replace Suthep Thaugsuban, who stepped down after the stunning defeat by Pheu Thai in the general election.

"My term will end in a year and a half. I prefer to work as the Asean chief. I'm confident that the Democrat Party will find somebody to replace Khun Suthep, as the party has many good individuals to fill the position," he said.

Surin has served as a foreign minister and was an executive board member of the Democrat Party. He was elected as the secretary-general of the Asean Secretariat, which is based in Jakarta.

The candidates for party secretary-general reportedly on the list are very efficient and could do the job, he said.

While he had no role in determining the party's direction, as a member, he always learned of what was going on in the party.

He would not comment on how the party should proceed after its loss to Pheu Thai, saying those with responsibility would surely plan a long-term strategy.

Suthep has refused to serve in the post again. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has also resigned as the Democrat Party leader.

Suthep has said he has discussed the party's future with three former Democrat leaders.

Abhisit also refused to comment on the possibility of his return as party leader at the Democrats' meeting on August 6 to elect members of the executive board, including the party leader and secretary-general.

Although some Democrat MPs were reportedly disappointed with the party's election downfall and have threatened to leave, Abhisit said poor management could definitely darken the party's future but true members would remain in both good and bad times.

Suthep said 348 party members were eligible to vote for the new executives. The 348 come from five categories, including 31 incumbent executive members, former party leaders and former secretaries-general as well as former ministers.

The others are 139 party branch heads, 135 former MPs, 20 representatives of party members from various parts of the country, and 23 community leaders such as the Bangkok governor and municipal chiefs.

Each person has one vote but the weighting is different depending on the category, he added.

Abhisit's resignation as party leader automatically triggered a new election of the executive board.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29