• 
• 

Published on October 27, 2007

"Northeastern constituents pleaded with us to run under the Ruam Jai Thai banner," former MP Sakhon Phrompakdee said, explaining the defection of the 10 candidates seeking re-election bids in the Northeast.

Sakhon praised his new party for strong leadership and its clear policies to solve grievances of the Isaan people.

Ruam Jai Thai leader Chettha Thanajaro welcomed the 10 candidates to his party and pledged to end social divisions.

Chat Pattana faction leader Suwat Liptapanlop said the arrival of the candidates would boost the party's position to better serve constituents.

Matchima faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin said his party was upbeat on its voting projection following the departure of "a few candidates".

"In my 26-year experience, I have never seen such readiness and as comprehensive a policy package as that being offered by my party," he said.

He spoke on the sidelines of a meeting to brief the party's 150 candidates about campaigning rules.

It assigned 150 accountants - one for each candidate unveiled - to ensure compliance with rules on campaign finances.

Matchima Thippatai is expected eventually to field about 290 candidates. Party leader Prachai Leophairatana remains optimistic that it will win between 120 and 200 House seats.

Key candidates include 74 former MPs and 37 former senators.

The Nation