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Published on August 20, 2007

"The anti-charter campaign by Thai Rak Thai supporters was nothing but an attempt to check  [Thaksin's] popular rating," he said.

Samak spoke after casting his referendum ballot at Bung Kum in Bangkok.

He said the referendum outcome was a crucial step for the general election later this year.

"I want to thank Prime Minister Surayud [Chulanont] who has confirmed the Election Day for either December 16 or 23; this is a good sign for an improved political situation to fend off foreign critics," he said.

Commenting on the anti-charter campaign, he said not all Thai Rak Thai supporters were bent on attacking the junta. He admitted, however, that a larger clique of the disbanded party tried to defeat the constitution draft.

He voiced confidence that once politics got back on track, Thaksin would end his London exile in order to clear his name.

He said he saw a fighting chance for Thaksin to be acquitted of all charges.

The 2003 Ratchadaphisek land case showed no malicious intent to abuse power because Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman bought the plot in an honest transaction, he said.

The SC Asset Corporation equity case about an alleged covering up of shares has yet to be proven, he said.

"I believe Thaksin can rebut

all charges," he said, adding the authorities did not have a case for prosecution on the procurement of CTX bomb detection equipment for Suvarnabhumi Airport as no commission fees were actually paid.

Turning to his candidacy to lead the People Power Party, a new home for former Thai Rak Thai members, he said he had yet to win a friendly race with ally and challenger Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

"One clique wants me as party leader while another favours Chavalit. Let's wait and see who will take the job," he said in reference to the party's convention on leadership scheduled for Friday.

He expressed readiness to steer the party during the election.

"I am now 72 and have a 30-year advantage over Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva," he said.

Samak said he had a lead on Abhisit, 43, as far as political maturity was concerned.

"Abhisit has portrayed me as 'expired medicine', but I think he is a gas-induced ripening mango which lacks sensory delight," he said.

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation