Key figures in Thailand's ruling People Power Party (PPP) agreed Saturday to support deputy leader Somchai Wongsawat as its candidate for prime minister, a high-ranking party source said.
The decision was reached at yesterday's meeting of senior party figures. They agreed Somchai was the best choice. He is viewed as "most trustworthy".
The party seniors agreed the "three Ss"--Somchai, Sompong Amornwiwat and Surapong Suebwonglee--would inevitably face opposition from government opponents, particularly the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). So, it is sensible to opt for "the best bet", according to the source.
A new prime minister from the PPP will mainly ensure passage of the 2009 Budget Bill, before dissolving the House of Representatives.
People Power executive members were scheduled to meet yesterday to discuss the party's candidates for the post. A meeting later in the day would come up with the nominee, Sompong said Saturday.
Somchai, a brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has emerged as a key candidate after PPP leader Samak Sundaravej dropped his bid to become PM again. Samak was disqualified by court order last week.