Democrat Party to make northeastern tour

On Friday and Saturday, the Democrats will visit Khon Kaen to hear people's ideas on improving their quality of life, said Somcharn Srisongchai, chairman of the party's provincial branch.

The party will hold an event called "Democrats Return to Isaan" as a people's assembly to share ideas on natural resources, education, culture, tourism, health, economics, society and politics.

Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend the event, along with secretarygeneral Suthep Thaugsuban, Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, Jurin Laksanavisit, Chinnaworn Boonyakiat and Witoon Nambutr, head of the party's former MPs in the region.

The Northeast was the stronghold of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's nowdefunct Thai Rak Thai Party. The Democrats have struggled to attract votes in the region and recent surveys reveal the party is still unpopular there.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party (PPP) will stage a rally in Chiang Rai next week and unveil its eight aspiring candidates for House seats.

Samart Kaewmeechai, the party's deputy spokesman for the North, said yesterday the PPP was ready to hold a rally next Thursday, and encouraged their supporters to vote for the party.

Samak Sundaravej will address Chiang Rai residents, along with Chaturon Chaisang and anticoup leader Jakraphop Phenkair, he said.