Judicial review: Democrats reassure their supporters

The Democrat Party will seek permission to circulate an open letter to supporters to advise them not to panic about a judicial review for alleged electoral fraud - which could see the party dissolved, its secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

In light of the imposition of martial law and a ban on political activities, the Council for National Security was empowered to screen the planned letter, Suthep said.

"I am confident that my party will not be disbanded because it has not done anything wrong," he said, alluding to the mass exodus of members from the Thai Rak Thai Party, which faces a similar charge of fraud.

"The Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties are completely different from one another and the evidence will clear up any questions over the Democrats' alleged involvement," he said in reference to the scandal surrounding the alleged bankrolling of small parties to contest the April 2 election.

The party was looking forward to presenting its defence to the Constitution tribunal, he said. - The Nation.

Bangkok poll: New PM's philosophy wins backing

About three out of four Bangkok residents support Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's plan to put people's happiness before economic growth, an opinion poll revealed yesterday.

And some 89 per cent said they thought a new agency should be set up to promote the theory of a sufficiency economy.

The Abac Poll was conducted over the two-day weekend. Some 1,509 respondents were asked about the appointment of Surayud as interim prime minister.

About 64 per cent said they approved of Surayud as leader. The approval rating doubled on Sunday's announcement of his appointment, in comparison to a day earlier.

The survey listed the three top priorities the interim government faces as the rising cost of living because of high oil prices, violence in the far South, and corruption. - The Nation.