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Published on September 21, 2007

Snoh Thienthong was elected yesterday as caretaker leader of the Pracharaj Party, while Anongwan Thepsuthin, wife of Matchima group leader Somsak, was appointed as the new secretary-general.

Snoh had declared that he would step down as party leader to allow for the election of the entire executive board. A party leader's resignation triggers the end of executive's board term.

But during the party's annual convention at Impact Muang Thong Thani, no one was nominated to replace Snoh, so he was asked to remain in the post.

He thanked his members for supporting him.

His allies who attended the formation of the Pua Paendin (For the Motherland) group failed to appear at the Pracharaj general meeting.

Somsak sent his members, but no leaders from the Saman Chan group were present.

New executives for the party were elected and appointed. The 10 deputy leaders include Korn Dabbaransi, Sunthorn Wila-wan, Boonthueng Pholpanit and former senators Intarat Yod-bangtoey and Karoon Sai-ngam.

Party adviser Prachai Leo-phairatana was named as chief executive.

All of the executive board members were picked by Snoh.

After the meeting, Snoh, Prachai and Anongwan gave press interviews.

Snoh said he would not run as a candidate for the next prime minister, but would be a supporter. He also talked about Korn, who is a newcomer to Pracharaj. "On behalf of Pracharaj Party this is a restoration of Ratchakru."

"Either Pracharaj or any group, we have to carry on for our country.

"The name of the group is not important, but 'Pracharaj' is a fortunate name so we should not worry about the name of party, we should work for the country," he said.

When asked about the absence of Saman Chan leaders, he replied that he did not know why they did not attend the meeting.

Anongwan said the Matchima group decided to go with Pracharaj because of Snoh. Its policies are also alike those of Matchima.

She and Intarat have been assigned to supervise the North and select election candidates for the region.

A Saman Chan source said they did not attend the meeting because their opinions differed from Pracharaj. They might join the Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana Party instead.

Samatcha Hunsara

 The Nation