"There's no law to prevent the use of the old name," Apichart said.

According to Article 68 of the Political Party Act, a dissolved party must report its finances to the EC within 15 days of the court verdict.

After that, the Office of the Auditor-General may liquidate the party's finances within six months. However, it can also extend its financial examination for up to another 30 days.

"If the process is completed, the old party name can be used," Apichart said. - The Nation

PM visits NIA, NSC

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont paid a visit to National Intelligence Agency and National Security Council officials, saying he just wanted to "boost their morale" for having to work hard for the security of the country.

Surayud said the two agencies did not expect any violence or disturbances in Bangkok and northern and northeastern provinces, following the Constitution Tribunal's rulings on party dissolution.

National Security Council secretary-general Prakit Prachonpachanuk called on Thais to prevent the use of violence saying they have the right to express their opinions on the rulings but must comply with the law. - The Nation

Shinawatras away

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Khunying Pojaman and her children are abroad, an informed source said yesterday.

The source said the Shinawatras left the country last Friday due to the uncertain situation in the country.

The Constitution Tribunal read a verdict on the fate of the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday. Thaksin was the party's founder. - The Nation

Coffee trade hot

The Democrat Party's noodle shop and coffee corners yesterday enjoyed brisk trade, with sales tripling to more than Bt10,000 due to the number of people who showed up in support of the country's oldest political party.

To the cheers of Democrat members and supporters, the Constitution Tribunal acquitted the party of all electoral fraud charges. - The Nation.