• 
• 

Published on January 27, 2008

He also ran into many People Power Party members there, but they just exchanged greetings, he said.

"I did go to Hong Kong. I took my wife shopping, and we stayed at the Marco Polo Hotel, which is my favourite hotel when I'm there, because it's centrally located and not expensive," said Warawut, also a Chart Thai executive.

The main reason for the trip was that he suspected he would be too busy once the new government was sworn in, he said; then he found out that Thaksin was staying at another hotel, and out of respect for the ex-premier, who had presided over his wedding, he took the opportunity to pay him a visit.

"That's all there was to it," he insisted.

"I incidentally bumped into some leading PPP members and MPs, who happened to be staying at the same hotel, and was surprised and thought to myself: 'Are they having a party meeting?' And I said hello to the ones I knew, but nothing more."

Former Chart Thai deputy leader Chuwit Kamolvisit lashed out at Warawut, saying the whole story seemed like a Thai soap opera.

There was definitely more to it, he said, as the explanations were too contrived.

The issue most likely discussed was who would be the next prime minister, he said.

Too many "coincidences" happen in Thai politics, he said, noting that Banharn had visited London while Thaksin was there in exile.

"There's something there, but nobody's telling," he said.

He announced his intention of airing a few political home truths on Monday.

Democrat deputy leader Alongkorn Polabutr expressed concern about the news that coalition MPs had gone to see Thaksin.

The coalition should not support tainted candidates or Thaksin's proxy as the new premier, as having a surrogate running the government would not help solve the country's problems, he said.

The new administration should be honest and effective, he added.

The Nation