Somchai gets Thaksin's backing

Somchai Petprasert

Pheu Thai Party party list MP Sunai Julapongsathorn said some MPs had talked to Thaksin about who should be the new party leader.

He ruled out deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai assuming the post saying Thaksin wanted a highly experienced and long-time politician to helm the party as he believed only a person of such calibre could deal with the Democrats.

"Thaksin has made the decision and will not change his mind," Sunai said.

Somchai refused to be interviewed about the reports regarding him saying he would wait for the party's resolution.

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit rejected the report that Somchai was the favourite to be new party leader, saying it was just a rumour spread by his supporters.

He said the party made a resolution on Monday that the new party leader must be an MP so that he could coordinate within the party and House. The decision on who will be the new party leader will depend on the party meeting on May 31.

Asked if Thaksin would have a say in the decision, Prompong said no. "The party leaders and party members in each region will be making the decision. Thaksin does not have the power to dictate the matter," he said.

Meanwhile chairman of Pheu Thai Party MPs Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would not accept the party leader's post, adding jokingly that he did not have the charisma and was way too aggressive to be a party leader. He said deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai, Pheu Thai Party's Nonthaburi MP, was more suitable for the post.