Four-party coalition formed with room for more: Samak

"I hope the coalition alliance will stop the malicious attempts by an individual outside of politics to cause an upset to the voting outcome and derail the chance for the People Power to form the next government," Samak said in a veiled attack against Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

He moved up the press conference from January 4 in a bid to foil what he termed as a scam to undermine his party's victory.

Flanked by his party secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee, he said he was certain of leading the next government. He made the remarks in the presence of his three coalition partners - Pradit Pattaraprasit of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Anongwant Thepsuthin of Matchaima Thipataya and Uraiwan Thienthong of Pracharaj.

"I won't be sitting here if I am not sure I have successfully formed the coalition," Samak said, in replying to a direct question whether the alliance might falter.

The Nation