Rak Muang Thai group worth watching

But there have been some interesting moves by former ministers and academics, who recently introduced themselves to the public.

MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, a former governor of the Bank of Thailand and then deputy PM and finance minister, recently formed the "Rak Muang Thai" (Love Thailand) group in a bid to help the country through the global economic crisis.

"Our group was born from concerns about the national problem," said Pridiyathorn, who is the leader of the group. "We tried to think about a solution. We want to build unity and harmony in the country."

Rak Muang Thai called a brain-storming forum of neutral economists and politicians from all parties. The group met last week and is set to meet every Monday.

Its members include: Teerana Bhongmakapat, Dean of Economics at Chulalongkorn University; Sombat Thamrong-thanyawong, an academic from the National Institute of Development Administration; Anek Laothamatas, former leader of the Mahachon Party; Pravit Rattanapien, former Science and Technology minister; Panpree Phahitanukorn, deputy Pheu Thai Party leader; Suvit Mesinsee, former Vice Commerce Minister; Kanok Wongtrangan, adviser to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva; Sompong Srakavee, former Songkhla senator; and Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism and Sports.

"We will raise any issues which we deem to be dangerous and needing an urgent warning sign. Our suggestion will be a neutral one. It's up to concerned parties if they want to take the suggestion into consideration," Pridiyathorn said.

In their first meeting the group talked about the 2010 budget deficit. They felt the government would be able to maintain fiscal discipline.

In one sense, the group could be regarded as an informal think-tank for the government, when considering the members' expertise. Some are economic gurus or had a close connection with the Democrat-led government - PM's adviser Kanok, for example.

On the other hand, one might think it was the first steps to pave the way for founding a new political party, although members said the gathering aimed to propose solutions to the government and had nothing to do with the politics.

Some members are familiar faces in the political arena, like Pridiyathorn. Despite denying he is interested in politics his name always emerges as a potential party leader or even prime minister.

Anek was a party member in the Democrat, Mahachon and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana parties. He once presented himself as a PM candidate with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sombat once reportedly wanted to form a green party. Suvit and Sompong are also close to former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

The timing of their move has been quite good as the political scene is still divided. A gathering of such "gurus" could attract more members to join them as an alternative choice.

Also, if the issues they raise clash with government policies it could affect the latter's credibility. With their experience and track records, the public might favour their position rather than the government's.

Having considered their names, track records and connections, the group could be a fierce rival to both the Democrat and the Pheu Thai parties in a future election.