• 
• 

Published on April 25, 2008

THE NATION

 He made the statement in a bid to clarify remarks made earlier in the day by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

"What Prime Minister Samak meant by his remarks is that the amended charter would bear fruit for the next government after this administration has completed its term," he said.

"Please understand that Samak will lead his government for four years, as he has pledged to the people," he added.

Government MP Suthin Klangsaeng said the People Power Party (PPP) was unaware of any plans to hold an early election after the completion of the charter rewrite.

"Even though Samak has made it clear he will quit politics at the next general election, I believe he won't do anything for which he could be scolded following his retirement," Suthin said.

Suthin said none of the PPP's MPs were informed in advance about Samak's plans, and he hoped the premier would not harm his party.

In regard to the timetable for the charter rewrite, he said the PPP was expecting to file a motion for amendments by May 10. The charter debate might commence either on May 14 or 15 for the first reading by the joint House-Senate session.

The second reading - lasting about two months - is to begin in June and conclude in July. The final reading is expected in September.

The amended charter should be ready for promulgation by royal command in October.

Samak had hinted earlier in the day that there would be a snap election after the completion of charter amendments. He was speaking to Thai expatriates at the Thai Embassy during his visit to Malaysia.

"The charter rewrite is for the future and this government will not be the one using the revised provisions, because there will be a general election after completing the amendments," he was reported as saying by Thai News Agency.

Samak voiced confidence that the rewriting process would be completed successfully.