• 
• 

Published on November 10, 2007

"The rift is over following the meeting between Samak and candidates for the direct vote in Bangkok," Watthana Sengpairoh said.

Samak sought and received forgiveness for causing concern that the two campaigners, Jatuporn Phromphan and Manit Chitchanklap, might instigate campaign violence similar to what happened during one of their anti-coup rallies in July, he said.

Samak admitted to making a mistake for failing to consult every candidate before completing the party list and Jatuporn vowed to abide by the campaign rules, he added.

He said Samak remained popular among Bangkok constituents in spite of his war of words with the local press.

He revealed that two party advisers, Pongthep Thepkanchana and Phumtham Wetchayachai, organised the meeting for Samak to mend fences.

Party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee said four party executives were responsible for selecting party-list candidates including Samak, two of Samak's deputies, Sompong Amornwiwat and Yongyuth Tiyapairat, and Surapong.

The eight party lists of 80 candidates were finalised late Tuesday evening, and Samak left before completing the lists because he was ill, he said, adding the three remaining executives based their decision on many factors when choosing the candidates.

"Because of a large number of qualified individuals, it is obvious that some people failed to make it to the final list and the party has assigned them to be on another list as potential office holders," he said.

The Nation