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Published on September 1, 2007

During a gala dinner at Bangkok's Miracle Grand Hotel to celebrate the Thai Peace Party's senior adviser Pichate Satirachaval ending his five-year ban from assuming political posts, Samak told the guests he had come to invite his old friend to join his party.

He hopes Pichate can help him to solve the troubles in the southernmost provinces, he said.

"Whether the Thai Peace Party will merge with the People Power Party will be the next step," he added.

Pichate was banned from assuming political posts for five years after the Constitution Court ruled in August 2002 that he had failed to declare his real assets to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

Pichate said most Thai Peace Party candidates were Muslim leaders or teachers in the troubled South. They know the root of the problems, which would lead to effective solutions.

Known to be close to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Pichate reportedly plans to merge his party with People Power soon.

Meanwhile, the Prachamati Party yesterday announced an ambitious plan to reform the educational system if it came to power after the election.

Party leader Pramuan Ruchana-seree said the party, which was registered on Monday, would also push for free utilities like electricity and tap water for people with low incomes. He also said it would join a coalition government that would agree to implement its policy platforms, or the party would prefer to be in the opposition camp.

The Nation