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Published on February 1, 2008

However, he could be re-elected to the post when the party calls a meeting within 45 days, EC member Sodsri Satayathum said.

The EC ruled that Prachai lost his post on December 4 when he submitted a resignation letter to the party's registrar. Prachai changed his mind a few days later.

The EC ruling comes ahead of the announcement of the Cabinet line-up for the coalition government led by People Power Party (PPP), expected either today or tomorrow.

It is expected to pave the way for the Matchima faction under the leadership of secretary-general Anongwan Thepsuthin to nominate candidates for ministerial positions without having to first consult Prachai.

After learning of the EC decision, Prachai said he was like a kindergarten student playing among graduates of vicious political combat.

He said he was "only at the kindergarten stage of dirty politics".

Prachai said those who kept weakening his position would soon experience a similar streak of bad luck. "I have had enough of politics," he said.

EC member Sodsri said Matchima would have to call a meeting in 45 days to elect a leader.

Prachai called a few meetings of party's executives after the results of December 23 election, which showed PPP would lead the new government.

He was reportedly negotiating with the PPP, hoping to take the finance minister's post.

However, party's registrar and deputy leader Thanaporn Sriyakul disrupted a meeting on December 28 and insisted that Prachai was no longer party leader and therefore forfeited the right to negotiate.

Shortly afterward, Prachai again changed his mind about remaining in politics.

Thanaporn is a close aide to Anongwan, wife of influential politician Somsak Thepsuthin.

His move against Prachai reflected an internal conflict between the two groups.

The Nation