PPP executives chose Thaksin's brother-in-law as new PM

BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) - Thailand's ruling People Power Party (PPP)
executive board met Monday and agreed unanimously to have acting prime
minister Somchai Wongsawat succeed former premier Samak Sundaravej who was stripped of his post for violating the Constitution, PPP spokesman announced on Monday.

Kuthep Saikrachang told a news conference that Mr. Somchai's nomination must be endorsed by the party MPs meeting Monday afternoon.

The PPP spokesman said Mr. Somchai pledged to lead the party to the best
of his ability to create unity both in society and among the party rank
and file.

The party's five coalition partners will be notified about the PPP's
choice prior to the parliamentary session which is scheduled to vote for
the new prime minister on Wednesday.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government coalition
which has occupied Government House compound for nearly three weeks,
shrugged off the selection of Mr. Somchai as new premier.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang and Somsak Kosaisuk, PAD core leaders,
said their coalition could not accept Mr. Somchai to replace Mr. Samak as
he is a brother-in-law to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"How could we accept a person who is a proxy of Mr. Thaksin as the new
prime minister?, Mr. Somsak asked, vowing the PAD would continue its
protest until it leads to new politics.

Gen. Chamlong said earlier the PAD sought a new political system which
comprises 70 per cent of appointed MPs in the House with only elected 30
per cent of MPs.

The new political system should have representatives from every profession
to sit in the House, he said.

Mr. Somchai earlier brushed aside accusations that Mr. Thaksin, who fled
to London to evade corruption charges, pressed the party to nominate him
as successor to Mr. Samak. (TNA)