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發表於 2008-12-8 11:25:27
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Pheu Thai in desperate bid for power
By The Nation
Published on December 8, 2008
TheThaksin Shinawatra camp is not giving up in its race with the DemocratParty to form a new government even as the former PM's ex-wife PojamanDamapong pours her resources into winning over supporters.
Discussions were conducted inthe war room in the Shinawatra Thai Silk building of the Pheu ThaiParty yesterday. The party's strategies, the political situation andmaking contacts for MPs to join the party were all discussed. Pojamanquietly returned from Hong Kong on Friday in a bid to mobilisesupporters for the new government after the dissolution of the SomchaiWongsawat's cabinet following a court ruling.
"Those who have any close associates, please bring them back to the Pheu Thai Party," a source quotedPojamanas saying.
However,another source said the MPs in the camp agreed that the chance for themto form a government had become slim. But they have not given upentirely. They tried hard with the help of veteran politicians likePrawat Uttamote of the Group of 16 to use personal relationships tourge former coalition MPs to return to the fold. However, the formercoalition MPs said they wanted to protect the country and the monarchyso Pheu Thai needed to improve its strategy.
Former PheuThai spokesman Sakda Noppasit said the party had only a slim chance asthe military had lobbied the others to join the Democrat Party. PheuThai has vowed revenge and said it would challenge the Democrat-ledgovernment's legitimacy in every way.
"It would be tit-for-tat and could be more severe," he said.
Aparty source said plans to destroy the credibility of many institutionssuch as the justice system had been laid out. Protests like thosestaged by the People's Alliance for Democracy would be planned.Demonstrators would work closely with the red-shirted pro-PPPgovernment group.
Pheu Thai's key member Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a formerPPPdeputy leader, would be in charge. However, Newin Chidchob's red-shirted supporters would not join, the source said.
Onthe other hand, Pheu Thai MP Somchai Petprasert from Nakhon Ratchasimasaid the Democrat boast about having the numbers to stitch together agovernment was just the first step. The former coalition party had justsaid they would consider the Democrat bid.
"Pheu Thai isfull of unity. If you cut the heart of the former People Power MPs youwill see 10-20 more MPs wanting to join the Pheu Thai. I believe PheuThai can form a government and the people have shown which party theywant to form the government," Somchai said.
Caretakerprime minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul rejected the idea of dissolvingthe House to prevent the Democrats from forming a government.
Chaovaratsaid there was no necessity for House dissolution at the moment. Hesaid the former ruling party and the opposition were trying to gathersupport for a coalition. It would be unreasonable to dissolve theHouse.
He denied that his decision not to dissolve theHouse was a result of his son Anutin being a close associate of formerThai Rak Thai executive Newin Chidchob.
Pheu Thai MPSurapong Towijakchaikul from Chiang Mai said it was impossible for theDemocrats to gather 260 MPs on their side. Out of the total of 438 MPsat the moment, Pheu Thai could count on 220.
"I believe wewon't lose any support. Many northeastern MPs in the Friends of Newingroup have joined us. We have to make this clear to the people," hesaid.
"Democrat chief adviserChuan Leekpaihasalways said his party will let the party with the most seats in theHouse to be the first to form a government. If it fails, the second onethen will form the government. The Democrats are going back on theirword," he said.
However, Deputy House Speaker ApiwanWiriyachai, a Pheu Thai MP from Nonthaburi, said his party had fallenbehind the Democrats afterChart ThaiPattana refused to back it. But Pheu Thai was ready to form a government if the Democrats could not.
The third statement on HM the King's condition
HisMajesty the King's condition has improved and his fever has subsided,while his temperature was sometimes back to normal, the Royal HouseholdBureau said in its in its third statement on the monarch's illness onSunday. His Majesty still had minor pain in his throat but could take some soft food.
A blood test indicated a reduction in his bronchitis, the statement added.
[ 本帖最後由 jackchan_b2b 於 2008-12-8 11:29 AM 編輯 ] |
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