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Published on January 21, 2008

After the Supreme Court's Election Division on Friday rejected his case against the PPP, former Democrat candidate Chaiwat Sinsuwong yesterday said he was encouraged by many people who urged him to continue filing the case for investigation.

The issues filed by Chaiwat included whether PPP was qualified to run as a nominee of the now-disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.

He also asked whether PPP leader Samak Sundaravej was qualified to run as a proxy of ex-Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra and whether advance voting was valid.

He also questioned whether the alleged distribution by PPP candidates of videos and CDs showing Thaksin's endorsement of their party was legal.

He said administrators gaining power unlawfully were unlikely to govern honestly.

Chaiwat, who was a former industry minister, said the new government might recoup the funding it made during the election campaign. The amount spent might be so huge it could hurt the economy, he said.

He is scheduled to seek legal advice on what to do next.

He will announce the plan publicly, but without involving the Democrat Party as he had resigned as a member, he said.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanavisit said the

new government must revive public confidence about the economy and

must not interfere in judicial proceedings against Thaksin and his party.

The opposition will keep a close eye on the government on all issues, he said.

PPP leader Samak must control his emotions and watch his words to prevent possible loss to the country, Jurin said.

Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila said the new government must prove itself to the people for the sake of the country and stand above its own interests.

It must get rid of the perception that it is a nominee of Thai Rak Thai, he said.

"CPD proposes the Cabinet line-up is free from being a payback for politicians or nominees that had helped the party," Suriyasai said.

"This will reduce doubts and mistrust among the public, especially in the posts of defence and justice ministers.

"The new government must ensure people it will not interfere in the judicial process or re-organise the military to support it."

The Nation