PM candidates woo coalition

The three PPP leaders assured the leaders of the five coalition parties that former prime minister Samak Sundaravej had decided to sacrifice and wash his hands off politics to end the political wrangling.

The five coalition parties and some PPP MPs last week boycotted the move to nominate Samak back as PM by not attending the House meeting when it was scheduled to pick the prime minister.

The PPP leaders received the backing from all five coalition parties whose leaders promised to back whoever the PPP nominated without any condition, the source said.

Somchai Wongsawat, Sompong Amornwiwat, both PPP deputy leaders, and Surapong Suebwonglee, the PPP secretary-general, first met Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti.

Suwit said his party would not interfere with the PPP's decision on the PM nomination because he believed the party can find a suitable and qualified person for the post. He said after the PPP had made the decision, it would inform the party tomorrow.

The three PPP leaders then moved to meet Pracharaj leader Snoh Thienthong. Somchai thanked Snoh for speaking out in support of him, and saying he is the most suitable candidate. Somchai said Snoh did not set any condition and would allow the PPP to decide on the nomination without interference.

Then the three met Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chetta Thanajaro for 15 minutes.

Chetta said his party was willing to support whoever the PPP proposed because the party had the highest number of MPs so it has the legitimacy under the democratic system to form a government. "We just told them that we want to see peace in the country,'' he said.

Somchai said the party's executive board and MPs have yet to reach a decision on how the party will decide on the PM candidate but he was not worried because the party's majority votes will make the decision.

The three PPP leaders then left to meet Matchima Thipataya Party leader Anongwan Thepsuthin in the evening and Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa in the night.