Yesterday Meechai was said to be slightly ahead of former National Security Council secretary-general Prasong Soonsiri.

NLA support for Meechai was said to be coming from associates and current and retired members of the military.

Although Prasong supporters were lobbying hard to shore up his position, Meechai remained ahead, an NLA source reported.

"The only thing that can take Meechai out of the race is attacking Meechai as a Thaksin-Shinawatra collaborator," he said.

"In addition much needs to be made of his legal work with the amnesty laws which protected the 1991 coup participants from legal action as well as his behind-the-scenes activities for the September 19 overthrow.

"This could result in increased public pressure against him and lead to his withdrawal," the source said.

However, the name of Charan Kullavanit had emerged as a dark horse and one the Council of National Security could throw its support behind.

Legislator Paisal Puetmongkol supports Prasong and believed the election of Meechai would spark national turmoil because of such widespread opposition to his election.

"I'd like to suggest those candidates that do not have the people's trust withdraw from the race.

"If I were Meechai I would have declared my withdrawal to keep peace in our society," he said.

Paisal revealed Meechai supporters had attempted to lobby his vote.

The NLA votes for its president tomorrow.

A simple majority elects the winner. A tie will see a new vote.

Prapasri Osathanon

The Nation