September 11, 2008
Bangkok - Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be consulted on the new premier according to the People Power Party (PPP).
"Thaksin's support will be taken into consideration, but will not be decisive in determining the candidate," deputy party spokesman Suthin Klangsaeng said.
"We have to listen to him, because Thaksin is still a Thai national," Suthin said.
It seems that Thaksin, who said he already washed his hand of politics, still influences Thailand’s politics.
Samak Sundaravej lost his premiership after the Constitutional Court ruled that his cooking show was against the law on Tuesday.
The PPP initially vowed to back Samak as the prime minister.
However, the party also considered nominating Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, acting premier and education minister.
Another possible candidate is Justice Minister Sompong Amornviwat.
Rumor has it that the faction led by Newin Chidchob was against Samak and planned to replace him with Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.
It was reported the PPP would call a meeting today to decide who the new prime minister should be, ahead of a parliamentary vote on Friday.
