IN BRIEF
Chat thai party :Sontaya's faction set to return
The Chat Thai Party yesterday hinted at making a surprise announcement at its anniversary celebrations on November 19, alluding to the imminent return of 20 former party members who had defected to the Thai Rak Thai Party.
"My party may have some good news which will surprise everyone," said deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul. Confirming Somsak's optimism, party officials said Sontaya Kunplome, former party secretary-general, would likely lead his 20-member Chon Buri faction to rejoin Chat Thai.
Goodwill tour :PM to visit Singapore, Brunei Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont travels to Brunei and Singapore tomorrow as he rounds off his goodwill tour. The trips aim to extend bilateral relations and cooperation and assure regional leaders of stability at home. The two neighbours remain the only Asean members Surayud is yet to visit since assuming his position on October 1. Surayud jets to Brunei in the morning, where meets Prime Minister Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and lunches with members of the government. Later in the day he meets Singapore's former prime minister and current Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and President SR Nathan. There will also be discussions with Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong.
Ex-charter writers :10 selected as NPA candidates Former constitution drafters yesterday chose 10 from among themselves as potential members of the National People's Assembly (NPA). The nominees include Decho Suwananont, Somkid Lertpaitoon and Seree Suwanpanont and Justice deputy permanent secretary Thongthong Jantharangsu. The interim constitution states that the former constitution drafters must choose 10 NPA members from among themselves. The 2,000 members of the NPA, consisting of representatives from national groups and upcountry, will choose 200 candidates - a final 100 of whom will be picked by the Council for National Security - to form the Constitution Drafting Assembly.
Thai Rak Thai :Backers urged to get critical on Web The Thai Rak Thai Party is calling on its supporters to air their frustrations about the current government and express political opinions on its website. Party leader Chaturon Chaisang told caretaker executive member Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk and the Thai Rak Thai publicity team to create a blog at www.thairakthai.or.th. The team will ask questions to entice a response on current government policies. "This is a way for the public to release their frustrations about government actions, such as its move to scrap the Bt30 medical scheme," Ekkaporn said.
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