Thaksin party eyes power
Samak Sundaravej is thought to reprsent former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra
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Monday, 24, Dec 2007 03:46
Supporters of exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra claim they have enough political clout to take power.
The People's Power party (PPP), which is aligned to the deposed former leader, claimed a crucial victory in national elections at the weekend, coming close to winning enough votes for an outright majority in Bangkok.
Preliminary results suggest the PPP has won 232 of the 480 available in the lower parliament – nine short of what it would need for overall control.
But despite initial suggestions that the army, which led a anti-Thaksin coup to depose him of power last September, would make it difficult for any of the smaller parties to reach agreement with the PPP, the party's secretary-general, Surapong Suebwonglee, is confident a deal will be struck.
"The PPP will form a government," he said, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Mr Surapong added that the party would name its partners after January 3rd next year but opponents to the PPP expressed doubt over their claims.
According to the Bangkok Post, the PPP is set to win 232 seats, with the Democrat party on course for 165.
Of the smaller parties, who could play a crucial role in the future of Thailand, Chart Thai looks likely to claim 37 seats, Puea Pandin 25, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana nine, Machimatipataya seven and Pracharaj five.
This month's elections are the first since the military coup unseated Mr Thaksin when he was out of the country on September 19th last year.
Veteran conservative Samak Sundaravej - thought to be standing on behalf of Mr Thaksin – has led the PPP against its main rivals the Democrat party, under the control of Oxford-educated Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Claiming victory yesterday, Mr Samak told reporters: "I will be the next prime minister for sure. I invite all the parties to join our government."
Mr Thaksin is currently the owner of Premier League club Manchester City and now spends much of his time in the UK. He has pledged to return to Thailand when the situation is stable enough for him to do so.