Thaksin gives Chalerm the nod

Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra has got his blessing to become the party's secretary-general, according to the sources.

Yongyuth Wichaidit, who is not an MP, is currently the party leader and Suni Luangwichit the secretary-general. Both have been criticised for being "unable" to take the party in the direction that its supremo expected. Thaksin is pushing to replace them with Chalerm and Yingluck, the party sources said.

The Constitution stipulates that the opposition leader must be an MP from a political party that has none of its members in the working Cabinet. Veteran politician Chalerm is expected to be appointed opposition leader after he becomes Pheu Thai leader.

Thaksin wanted his sister to be secretary-general since she was to all intents and purposes his representative, according to the sources.

Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Phanom Paijit Sriworakan said yesterday that the party would meet on March 24 to select a new leader, who was expected to be appointed opposition leader before the censure debate on March 26.

Party MP for Loei Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said Pheu Thai would elect a new executive board to replace the one that was elected on December 7.