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Published on August 31, 2007

Even though political veteran Samak Sundaravej, who announced he was a nominee of Thaksin, has taken over as PPP leader, it seems the real chief is the deposed premier.

The 70 PPP members, who are former MPs from Thaksin's now disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, have reportedly bought a package tour to England on Sept 10 in order to meet the former premier and seek funds for the general election.

Earlier, Thaksin was reported to have met with former MPs from the Northeast, including Newin Chidchob and anti-coup leader Veera Musigapong. Small groups of five to 10 politicians had earlier called on Thaksin, who has lived in exile since being ousted in the coup just under a year ago.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama insisted yesterday the former premier was neither involved in the PPP administration nor promoting the party's executives.

"Almost all of his assets have been frozen. The former premier refuses to give interviews to the media and is not trying to destroy the security of the government. It cannot be proven whether he is pulling the wires at [the PPP]," Noppadon said.

The lawyer also announced that local football star Suree Sukha would be joining Manchester City, owned by Thaksin. Suree is set to be the first Thai to play in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old defender was chosen from three Thai players who were on a two-week trial, Noppadon said.

"Suree will be the first Thai player to play in the Premier League. His work permit is now being processed," the lawyer told reporters.

Piyanart Srivalo,

 Kesinee Jaikwang

 The Nation