Disgruntled Puea Pandin MPs declare continued support for government

BANGKOK, July 30 (TNA) – A group of Puea Pandin Party members ofparliament on Monday declared their continued support for the coalition government despite party leader Suwit Khunkitti's surprise announcement of the party's withdrawal from the People Power Party-led coalition government in the evening.

A group led by MP Pan Puengsucharit told an urgently-convened press conference that they were not aware of Mr. Suwit's decision and insistedit was not the party's resolution.

Mr. Pan said he had discussed with all his colleagues and found they were still willing to work together with the government to solve the country's problems. However, a party meeting would be held soon to discuss thematter.

He said the group opposed giving the party's mandate to a single person.

The Puea Pandin faction leader added Mr. Suwit's declaration of the withdrawal from the government would not have an impact on the party'sperformance although he remains the incumbent leader of the party.

Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Suwit Khunkitti said on Monday evening that his splinter party had decided to leave the Samak cabinet since it disagreed with the ruling People Power Party's bids to amend the constitution and instead preferred that the coalition government givegreater attention to resolving the country's economic problems.

Besides, Mr. Suwit said, his party had disagreed with the Samak government's handling of the Preah Vihear controversy. (TNA)