Samak rules out second term

In his latest effort to convince the public that he is not hungry for power, the 73-year-old veteran politician told reporters on Friday that he would not run in the next election.

His announcement came just a day after checking out of hospital. It was not clear if his twoday hospital experience shed some light on his future.

The controversial political figure used to call himself a "nominee" of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra but changed his tune after taking the current post, say that he was a genuine prime minister and that he was here to stay.

Samak's People Power Party (PPP), an offshoot of Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai, has proposed eliminating a provision in the Constitution that says political parties convicted of electoral fraud will be disbanded.

Samak maintained that the PPP's proposed constitutional amendments were not designed for personal gain. Just over a month ago it was a "hidden hand" that was out to discredit the PPP. Just last week, it became clear that the PPP, as well the two coalition partners - Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya - could be dissolved by the Constitution Court if it is ruled that their executives were involved in election fraud.

Moreover, in a sign of party infighting between Samak and proThaksin MPs, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang, criticised Samak and outspoken Interior chief Chalerm Yoobamrung for making "provocative statements". Kuthep criticised Samak for suggesting another coup if political instability continues and accused Chalerm of "lowering himself to the level of the PAD" (People Alliance for Democracy).

Samak shot back saying, Kuthep "probably doesn't have much to do."

"I'm indifferent by the criticism," Samak said in respond. "I feel pity for him because he (Kuthep) has come under great criticism," Samak said.

The Constitution was approved in Thailand's firstever constitutional referendum in August 2007, eleven months after the military launched a bloodless coup to oust Thaksin.

Samak argued yesterday that his elected government had a mandate to change the charter.

"My People Power Party won a majority, so it is legitimate for us to make amendments," he told reporters in a weekly briefing.

"I have no political future. I will not run in the next election. The next general election will be held without me," he said.

Samak said the stipulation in the Constitution was a political minefield that could bring down the entire country.

"The constitutional amendments are for the sake of the country's future, to improve the Constitution," he said.

He also lashed out at critics of his proposals, noting that the previous military government had scrapped the 1997 constitution that had widely been hailed as the most democratic ever seen in Thailand.

"Why don't these critics accuse the ones who scrapped the previous constitution, rather than accusing me, who was elected?" he said.

 The 2007 charter came into force while Thailand was under military rule, but was overwhelmingly passed in the referendum.