Unconscionable for PPP to vote Samak back as PM: PAD leader

"If this is allowed to happen, the country will not survive because its leaders lack etiquette and integrity,'' he said.

Somsak said Samak had lost legitimacy to run the country. "In developed countries, leaders resign without a court order to disqualify them. They resign when people protest to oust them,'' he said.

Maj General Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD leader, said the PAD would meet and seek approval from its supporters who had gathered at Government House about what should be the next step. He said Samak would be an embarrassment in the eyes of foreign countries if he returned as PM.

Prof Chalermpol Saempet, co-ordinator of Northern Region PAD, said the issue involved morality and the integrity of a country leader. If the coalition party leaders vote Samak back into power, it would be equal to challenging the courts' power and would humiliate the Thai people.

"Samak will face growing opposition if he returns,'' he said.

During the Cabinet meeting ministers from the PPP agreed that they would vote for Samak again as prime minister.

PPP party list MP Sukhumpong Ngonkam said he believed Samak could return as PM because his case was the same as Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsap who was disqualified as health minister. Samak continues to keep his MP status and he was still suitable as PM, he said.

Health Minister Wicharn Meenchainant said although all PPP Bangkok MPs and ministers respected the court ruling, they wanted to vote Samak back as PM because they believe he was still qualified since his involvement in the cooking programme did not indicate corruption.

He said the ruling party was not afraid that voting Samak back to power would bring the country to the brink of chaos because the law allowed the PPP to do so.

"I wonder why we do not respect and obey laws. Why do we have to follow what the PAD wants? This is not correct. In a democratic system, we have to follow the majority,'' he said.