CTP gearing for elections

Bangkok Post 08/01/2010

The Chart Thai Pattana Party will ensure it is 100 per cent prepared for a general election in three months because the coalition government's survival cannot be guaranteed, party spokesman Vachara Kannikar said on Friday.

Mr Vachara said the government's stability was threatened by conflict between the coalition partners and pressure from the opposition Puea Thai Party.

Over the next three months CTP leaders and senior members would visit people throughout the country to explain the party's policies, particularly its standpoint in the present political situation.

He said the policies were party strategy were already being drafted by the executive committee.

Initially, the party would adhere to the line of reconciliation. It would not buy into or start any further political conflict. At the same time, the party would back every effort to bring the country out of political crisis, Mr Vachara said.

The spokesman said that while parties in the coalition and pressure from the opposition may be a catalyst for a general election, there were still no clear signs the government would fall apart. However, party leader Chumpol Silpa-archa has told all MPs to be prepared, just in case.

Mr Vachara said the CTP had confidence in Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's ability to handle the country's administration, but was not sure whether he would be able to stand against political pressure or satisfy the other parties in the coalition.

Mr Chumpol had set up a 13-member committee to advise the party on various matters.

The committee is led by former Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa. Other members are Prapat Pothasuthon, Jongchai Thiengtham, Somsak Prisanananthakul, Kanchana Silpa-archa, Nikorn Chamnong, Anurak Jureemart, Varavuth Silpa-archa, Kasem Sorasakkasem, Nathawut Prasertsuwan, Noppadol Ponlasen, Thamma Pinsukanchana and Prapat Panyachatrak.

Mr Vachara said the CTP hopes the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties will be able to find a satisfactory resolution to their differences over the whether Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee should resign.