ID :
18945
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 19:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/18945
The shortlink copeid
Former premier Samak offers to serve again as PM
BANGKOK, Sept 11 (TNA) - Former premier Samak Sundaravej on Thursday offered to return as Thailand's prime minister to head a six-party coalition government if a majority of MPs choose him again for the top post of the executive branch on Friday.
Mr. Samak, who only two days ago lost the premiership due to the
Constitution Court's ruling against his activities pertaining to charges
over the Tasting 'n' Grumbling culinary TV show, was quoted as saying he
would gladly return as premier if a majority of MPs voted in favour of his
renomination during Friday's special parliamentary session.
The ex-prime minister was quoted as saying he remained undaunted by any
out-of-parliament pressure as well as lawsuits in which he may have been
found guilty. The embattled Mr. Samak told the People Power Party (PPP)
rank and file Thursday that he was determined to fight for justice and
maintain democratic rule.
Mr. Samak's latest position emerged at a time when the six coalition
parties, led by his own ruling PPP, resolved to remain together as before
and to allow the PPP to nominate a senior party member as premier for whom
the House of Representatives will cast a vote of approval Friday.
The leadership of the respective coalition parties met shortly after the
PPP MPs and members had held a meeting at the PPP headquarters to discuss
the imminent naming of a premier from among the party's rank and file. No
joint resolution was reached during the coalition parties' meeting,
pending subsequent decisions to be made by each of the coalition partners.
Other than Mr. Samak, several other PPP executives may be nominated for
premiership Friday, namely Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat and
Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.
Meanwhile, the Isan Pattana faction inside the ruling party which
reportedly has 23 MPs in one voting faction disagreed with the idea retain
Mr. Samak as head of government.
MP Paijit Srivorakhan said no resolution had been made during Thursday's
PPP meeting to the extent that Mr. Samak would be nominated premier for
the House of Representatives to endorse Friday.
MP Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said over half the total of PPP MPs, or over 100
of them, no longer welcomed Mr Samak as premier.
In particular, he added, none of the MPs in the Isan Pattana faction would
vote Mr. Samak for premier again.
Mr. Samak, who only two days ago lost the premiership due to the
Constitution Court's ruling against his activities pertaining to charges
over the Tasting 'n' Grumbling culinary TV show, was quoted as saying he
would gladly return as premier if a majority of MPs voted in favour of his
renomination during Friday's special parliamentary session.
The ex-prime minister was quoted as saying he remained undaunted by any
out-of-parliament pressure as well as lawsuits in which he may have been
found guilty. The embattled Mr. Samak told the People Power Party (PPP)
rank and file Thursday that he was determined to fight for justice and
maintain democratic rule.
Mr. Samak's latest position emerged at a time when the six coalition
parties, led by his own ruling PPP, resolved to remain together as before
and to allow the PPP to nominate a senior party member as premier for whom
the House of Representatives will cast a vote of approval Friday.
The leadership of the respective coalition parties met shortly after the
PPP MPs and members had held a meeting at the PPP headquarters to discuss
the imminent naming of a premier from among the party's rank and file. No
joint resolution was reached during the coalition parties' meeting,
pending subsequent decisions to be made by each of the coalition partners.
Other than Mr. Samak, several other PPP executives may be nominated for
premiership Friday, namely Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat and
Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.
Meanwhile, the Isan Pattana faction inside the ruling party which
reportedly has 23 MPs in one voting faction disagreed with the idea retain
Mr. Samak as head of government.
MP Paijit Srivorakhan said no resolution had been made during Thursday's
PPP meeting to the extent that Mr. Samak would be nominated premier for
the House of Representatives to endorse Friday.
MP Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said over half the total of PPP MPs, or over 100
of them, no longer welcomed Mr Samak as premier.
In particular, he added, none of the MPs in the Isan Pattana faction would
vote Mr. Samak for premier again.
