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Published on August 2, 2007

"I will hear all of the criticism. However, I have not yet decided to head the party [PPP]. We should wait for the party executive meeting before making any decision," he said.

[Watch Suthichai Yoon's comment on the on the paradox of Thai politics. No permanent friends or foes in Thai politics?]

The former Bangkok governor applied to become a member of the PPP on Tuesday.

Sudarat Keyuraphan, a Thai Rak Thai group leader, yesterday downplayed criticism of the move to bring in Samak, saying criticism was normal. She also rejected concern that Samak would cause conflicts in the party with the left and right wings.

"Surapong [Suebwonglee, who was a leftist activist during the 1970's] has made it clear that it is unlikely the group will have problems working with Samak,'' she said.

She rejected the allegation that PPP will be a nominee party for deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai. She said Thaksin had made it clear that he has quit politics. "We wanted to establish our own party and we were rejected. We moved to this party with difficulties. We got together because we want to continue our political work."

She denied that while she approached Samak, she had made a telephone call to Thaksin asking him to talk to Samak. "It is a baseless allegation,'' she said.

She defended Samak against allegations that he was not qualified as he was still fighting court cases. She said he would clear the allegations.

Sutha Chansaeng of the Thai Rak Thai group said that former Thai Rak Thai Party MPs from Bangkok yesterday held talks with Sudarat following concern that people in the capital may reject the move. The group however concluded that Samak's joining the group would create more benefits because he is a veteran politician on a par with Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa and Demo-crat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"Samak has a wide and strong political base in Bangkok. We have done a survey. We can accept him as the party leader,'' he said.

A source said two of the party's former Bangkok MPs told Sudarat of their intention not to contest the general election, citing concerns over the unclear political direction of the group. They are Watcharamol Kunakasem, a former Lat Phrao District MP, and Pruetchai Damrongrat, a former Bung Kum District MP.