Thailand

Samak accepts nomination to return as PM

Article published on the 2008-09-11 Latest update 2008-09-11 12:19 TU

Anti-government protesters Chamlong Srimuang (L) and Sondhi Limthongkul.
( Photo: AFP )

Thailand's ruling party Thursday nominated Samak Sundaravej to succeed himself as prime minister. Samak was forced to leave office after the Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday that he illegally accepted payments for hosting TV cooking shows.  Anti-government protestors reacted angrily, vowing to continue their fight against Samak and his government.

MPS frpm the ruling People Power Party (PPP) met on Thursday to decide whether to return Samak to power or nominate a different candidate. 

The meeting considered putting forward Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Justice Minister Sompong Amornviwat.  

"Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister," said Suthin Klangsang, a spokesman for the PPP.

"Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post," he added. 

Parliament is set to vote on Friday.

However anti-government protesters, who have been occupying Government House for the past two weeks, are demanding that the entire government step down because of its ties to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The protesters are led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, led by media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul.

Samak Sundaravej still faces other legal challenges that could force him out of office. He faces three charges of corruption that have not yet reached the courts and he is appealing a two-year prison sentence for defamation for accusing Bangkok’s deputy governor of corruption.   

Meanwhile, Thailand's Election Commission on Tuesday accused Samak's party of vote-buying in last year's general election and urged it be dissolved. 

As the government was meeting, Thailand's army chief said the country's state of emergency should be lifted as soon as possible.

"Our stand remains the same, we will not accept Samak or anyone proposed from the PPP, because the party lacks legitimacy," said Sondhi.

"They violated the constitution and lack morals," he added.