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Published on November 15, 2007

The party source, who asked not to be named, said Samak's outburst during a press conference last week and his public refusal to join any debates has the party candidates worried about their popularity. 

The idea of Mingkwan taking over came from Khunying Poja-man Shinawatra, wife of former prime minister and leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party Thaksin, the source said.

"Samak's behaviour with the media and his rigid stance about debates have made the party's popularity numbers in the capital drop dramatically. Having Mingkwan take over will help Samak not lose face and regain the party's popularity," the source said.

People Power deputy leader Sompong Amornwiwat confirmed the report, saying the party planned to assign some of the leader's duties to his deputies. Deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Sompong and Mingkwan have been given the job of joining election debates.

Mingkwan is scheduled appear in a debate tonight on Channel 5's "Joh Jai". The Democrat Party's economic strategist Korbsak Sabhavasu will also be part of the show.

Meanwhile, Samak brushed aside a challenge from Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to a debate, saying Abhisit was no match for a veteran politician like himself.

The PPP leader said Abhisit was PM's office minister only once, while he was a minister five times, deputy prime minister three times and Bangkok governor for four years.

Abhisit responded by saying the public should not pay attention to such nonsense.

Over the last week, Abhisit has pressed Samak to a debate to show who is the more mature and suitable candidate to become the next prime minister.

 The Nation