Key leaders wary over decision

Fears of renewed anti-government protests and rumblings from the influential Newin Chidchob faction are delaying the ruling politicians' decision on who should be the next prime minister.

Key leaders of the now defunct People Power Party (PPP) are pushing for the dissolution of the House as the best solution for ending the political crisis as some groups want to topple the current government, a source from the party said.

"If we hasten to vote for a new PM who comes from the Puea Thai Party, the People's Alliance for Democracy will rally and protest again. The caretaker PM should dissolve the House to return the power to the people," the source said.

"What is worse is that the military would likely stage a coup to end the political conflict between anti- and pro-Thaksin Shinawatra groups. This time it could last two to five years."

However, caretaker Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul has ruled out dissolving the House unless there is a good political reason for doing so.

The key leaders held an urgent meeting on Tuesday night after the Constitution Court issued a stunning verdict to disband three coalition parties - the PPP, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya - and banned all their executives from the electoral process for five years due to election fraud.

"The court was too hasty in ruling on the case. It is suspected that there was an agenda to dissolve the government," the source said.

Moreover, Newin Chidchob's group is seen as an internal factor adding to the turmoil among the ruling politicians as it has not yet decided whether to join the Puea Thai Party - the reincarnation of the defunct PPP.

The group opposes Chalerm Yoobamrung, the acting public health minister, as the next PM and has proposed that the next PM be chosen from other coalition party leaders, another source said, adding that the group fears a premier from Puea Thai might not be acceptable to the public.

Some observers said Newin's group could defect from the government and join the Democrat-led coalition government, along with other coalition partners. In this case, the Democrats would have enough MPs to form a new government.

However, in this scenario Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva might not take the post premier, in order to avoid criticism. With his long experience and as a veteran politician, former prime minister and chief Democrat adviser Chuan Leekpai might be a better choice.

Prasong Boonpong and Thanusak Lek-uthai, MPs from the PPP, said they had discussed with other parties' MPs and agreed that neutral people from the PPP or the Democrats should discuss the formation of a two-party government to solve the political crisis.

"The two parties should join forces to end the fighting between yellow- and red-shirted protesters. We have to do it for our children," he said, adding that other small and medium-sized parties could form the opposition.

Kudeb Saikrachang, former PPP spokesman, said the caretaker government would not be an obligated authority like a normal government, but it has an urgent mission to reconcile and narrow the wide political divide before handing over power to the people.

The only possible way to form a national government was for the Democrat Party to join the current coalition, he said. It is impossible for the Democrats to form their own coalition as the current coalition partners have maintained their loyalty to the caretaker government. The Democrats have insufficient MPs to do so, he added.

Meanwhile, key Democrat members yesterday discussed for 90 minutes the party's chances of forming a government.

They agreed the chances were slim and did not expect to head the next administration.

But, they said, during the country's current crisis, the party must offer itself and show readiness to lead the government.

Previously, the party had assigned its key members to discuss with MPs from other parties about the possibility of MPs whose parties had been dissolved joining the Democrats, with a view to the party forming a government.

Outgoing Chart Thai chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart said the remaining 15 MPs of the now defunct Chart Thai would all move to the new Chart Thai Pattana Party and would remain with the current coalition. However, he hinted at the possibility of joining the Democrats.

"There would be no problem working with the Democrats [if they formed a government]. I used to be Democrat secretary-general for many years," Sanan said.

With the court verdict, Somchai Wongsawat and 12 of his ministers automatically lost their ministerial posts. The voting on a new prime minister is expected in the House on Monday.

The Cabinet yesterday held a special meeting to formally appoint Chaovarat as caretaker PM.

Meanwhile, possible candidates for the post of prime minister were teased by their colleagues during the Cabinet meeting.

Some of the candidates such as acting Transport Minister Santi Prompat and acting Justice Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont declined to comment on their potential nomination.

Only the top candidate, Chalerm, was reportedly in a very good mood. He cheerfully greeted and talked to reporters.