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Published on September 27, 2007

Kuthep said he was concerned that if Sonthi became deputy prime minister and interior minister, he would likely use his authority to wipe out the People Power Party. Sonthi also showed a tendency to favour certain parties, the politician added.

Asked if the party would protest against the move, Kuthep said it was unlikely because the protest would not get public support.

People Power secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee yesterday questioned the merit of Sonthi's appointment as deputy PM and interior minister. He said the government would only be running the country for another month, after which it becomes a caretaker government. He said the appointment would raise doubts in the international community on whether the general elections are being carried out in a fair fashion.

He said if Sonthi resigned from the CNS, then there would not be any conflict of authority. As CNS chairman, Sonthi has the authority to dismiss Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, so being his deputy was not right in terms of chain of command, Surapong said.

The Nation