All rosy when Abhisit meets powerbrokers

Abhisit gave a bouquet of red roses imported from the Netherlands to Banharn when he led 40 members of his party, including party secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban to pay a visit and "seek advice" from Banharn.

Banharn gave only sweet words about Abhisit to reporters after the 20-minute meeting concluded. He said the Democrat was suitable as the new prime minister because he's "young and energetic". Anyone who was diligent, persevered and compromised in their speech could qualify as a PM, so he gave congratulations in advance to Abhisit.

"Anyone with such qualities can become a PM," he said.

Abhisit said the meeting was arranged by Suthep and he had received useful advice from Banharn. Abhisit also went to visit Somsak Thepsuthin, a key figure behind Matchima Thipataya, another party that was disbarred recently, to seek further support.

Abhisit met Somsak for 20 minutes and also gave a bouquet of red roses to his wife, Anongwan Thepsuthin. The opposition leader said after it was, once again, all about "seeking advice" from Somsak, who was barred from politics for five years in mid-2007 when he was an executive member of the Thai Rak Thai Party. The pair also discussed the general direction of the country.

Abhisit said the two shared a desire to see unity and confidence restored in the country and wished to solve the political conflict.

Asked by reporters what he thought of Abhisit's suitability to become prime minister, Somsak said it was not appropriate for him comment as he had been banned from politics.

Abhisit expressed confidence that Pheu Thai Party, the new home for former members of the disbarred People Power Party, would be able to convince these former coalition partners to reunite with them. He said there should be no last-minute surprise.

Asked by reporters what would happen if pro-Pheu Thai (red shirt) demonstrators surrounded Parliament to prevent him from forming a coalition, Abhisit said they would be able to protest it didn't contravene the constitution.

Today, he is due to visit key members of the Ruam Thai Jai Pattana Party and Newin Chidchob's group of former People Power Party MPs.