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Party of Exiled Thai PM Ready to Govern

Strikes deal with at least one other party; Thaksin to return in '08

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2007 5:47 AM CST
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(Newser) – Samak Sundaravej is set to become Thailand's next prime minister after his party announced today that it had recruited at least one other party to form a coalition government, the AP reports. The People's Power Party, the bloc allied with deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra, won yesterday's elections but fell short of an absolute majority.

"The PPP will form a government," said a spokesman, although he declined to say which of the five other parties that won votes will join them. Thaksin remains in exile after the September 2006 coup that instituted military rule, but his supporters announced last week he would return to Thailand early next year. His rehabilitation could endanger the positions of the military and the elite that drove him from power.

Supporters of People's Power Party cheer election returns at the party's headquarters Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand. Early returns showed the PPP which backs former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra taking a lead over the rival Democrat Party. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Supporters of People's Power Party cheer election returns at the party's headquarters Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand. Early returns showed the PPP which backs former Prime Minister Thaksin...   (Associated Press)
Thailand's then caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets well-wishers after disembarking from the first commercial test flight at Bangkok's new international airport, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, in this July 29, 2006, file photo. Thaksin, deposed, exiled and allegedly corrupt, was poised for a comeback-by-proxy as his allies won...
Thailand's then caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets well-wishers after disembarking from the first commercial test flight at Bangkok's new international airport, on the outskirts of Bangkok,...   (Associated Press)
People's Power Party Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee smiles during a press conference at the party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. According to incomplete results, the PPP, led by allies of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has won 228 of 480 parliamentary seats and has invited smaller parties to...
People's Power Party Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee smiles during a press conference at the party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. According to incomplete results,...   (Associated Press)
Former Thailand's Prime Minister and leader of Chart Thai party, Banharn Silpa-archa talks with reporters in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Chart Thai, which placed third with 39 seats, is likely to be courted by the two top parties as they vie to form a coalition government. He may...
Former Thailand's Prime Minister and leader of Chart Thai party, Banharn Silpa-archa talks with reporters in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Chart Thai, which placed third with 39 seats, is likely...   (Associated Press)
Graphic shows results of Thailand?fs parliamentary elections; 1c x 3 inches; 46.5 mm x 76.2 mm
Graphic shows results of Thailand?fs parliamentary elections; 1c x 3 inches; 46.5 mm x 76.2 mm   (Associated Press)
Samak Sundaravej, leader of pro-Thaksin People's Power Party flashes a victory sign after a press conference at the party's headquarters Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand. Allies of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared to emerge as victors in Thailand's post-coup election Sunday but failed to secure an absolute...
Samak Sundaravej, leader of pro-Thaksin People's Power Party flashes a victory sign after a press conference at the party's headquarters Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand. Allies of deposed...   (Associated Press)
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Analysis of the result
Asia Times

 
Thailand • Thaksin Shinawatra • Samak Sundaravej • People's Power Party

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