Chatuporn denies moves afoot to oust Thida as UFDD head

Pheu Thai party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan yesterday denied reports that Thida Tawornset would be removed as the caretaker leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UFDD), which spearheads the red shirt movement.

Chatuporn said the UFDD, which will meet on Wednesday to pick its executive members, would elect Thida as its leader with full authority.

He denied reports that some red shirts were not happy with Thida's role as UFDD leader, saying they would vote Thida in as leader so that she can carry out her role with full authority.

Chatuporn refused to speculate on his chances of being elected leader, saying he would play a leading role in the UFDD regardless of the outcome.

He was responding to reports that he might try to win the UFDD leadership due to the possibility that he could be stripped of his MP seat if the Constitution Court rules that his failure to vote in the general election should cost him his status.

Meanwhile, Chinnawat Habunpad, adviser to the transport minister, said he was opposed to Thida's leadership due to her arrogance and her refusal to accept the majority's voice. He said that unless Thida adjusted her leadership style and distanced herself from the activities of her husband, Pheu Thai party-list MP Weng Tochirakarn, she should not be voted in.

Chinnawat said that for the sake of unity, the UFDD should not rush to elect the new leader, but should wait until after the red shirt gathering at Khao Yai on February 25.

He pointed out that leading members such as Kwanchai Praipana had split from the group, in Kwanchai's case because he was not satisfied with the management of the UFDD. The group should ensure that it gets the right leader who can bring together all factions and groups, Chinnawat said.