Both the coalition Bhum Jai Thai and opposition Pheu Thai parties have a big stake in two by-elections next month, in Maha Sarakham and Prachin Buri, which will once again test the popularity of fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his former aide, Newin Chidchob.
Newin was determined to get revenge on his former boss in these upcoming by-elections after the Bhum Jai Thai lost to Thaksin's Pheu Thai in two elections in Sakon Nakhon and Si Sa Ket. Without any strong candidate, Suthep was willing to pave the way for the coalition party though he was criticised for, again, conceding to Newin. However, Suthep considers Newin a match to rival Thaksin more than the ruling party.
After making a deal with the Democrats, Newin called a meeting with party ministers and MPs requesting their help in campaigning for the elections. Newin told his members a loss in these two by-elections would negatively affect the government, a source said. Newin also said Thaksin had ordered his team to throw all effort and capacity into the elections in order to win against the government, the same as he did in Sakon Nakhon and Si Sa Ket.
"If Thaksin wins, he'll claim he's still popular. He may claim the government's loss means people are disappointed with its performance, so they voted for the opposition party," Newin was quoted as saying.
"We were told to fully help the candidates in their campaigning during the New Year holiday. We cannot lose," the source quoted Newin.
This time Newin has changed his strategy following the loss in Sakon Nakhon, where an army of party ministers mobilised their forces to help campaigning. That strategy failed as voters thought Bhum Jai Thai tried to take an electoral advantage through state power, causing negative results for the government and help to Pheu Thai. The strategy would risk complaints of electoral fraud, especially during the New Year holiday when people are celebrating with their party and do not want to hear complaints of vote buying.
However, Pheu Thai failed to find a candidate to register in Prachin Buri. The party eyed adviser General Chettha Thanajaro, but he was reluctant, as he has barely visited the constituencies- a possible weak point for a rival's attack. But the party saw Chettha as the most suitable candidate, because he has fewer enemies than others and high potential to win the vote.
Another reason Chettha remains undecided is he is not confident of a win. Although he once served in the military there, and the province is seen as a military base, its voters (military) may choose a candidate supported by their chief, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is close to Bhum Jai Thai.
Nevertheless, Bhum Jai Thai appears better prepared than Pheu Thai. It will support Amnart Wilawan, a member of the Prachin Buri municipal assembly and nephew of former MP Sunthorn Wilawan.
We will see soon whether Newin can successfully take revenge on his former boss.
