Matchima wants Somkid as head
The new Matchima political group has announced it wants former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak as its leader, group member Somsak Thepsuthin said yesterday. Matchima - or Middle Way - is the breakaway Wang Nam Yom faction of the Thai Rak Thai Party.
Somsak expected Somkid to be confirmed ahead of elections later this year. "We have agreed to support Somkid as our leader," he said. Nevertheless, the move will not be announced officially until the group has seen the country's new constitution. Somkid aides including Suwit Maesintree and Surachai Danaitangtrakul recently joined Matchima as advisers, Somsak explained. The group - still not an official political party - will adopt former Thai Rak Thai policies including poverty reduction. Somsak dismissed reports he met with members of the Council for National Security to renounce his support of Thaksin Shinawatra. He was abroad at the time of the reports, he said. He said the group was "a friend" to everyone and had only national interests at heart. It, therefore, would welcome members with military associations. Former key Thai Rak Thai figures Suranand Vejjajiva, Pimon Srivikorn and Sopon Phetchsawang are said to have become members.
|
