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Published on August 8, 2007

In the 15-minute speech, Thaksin urged his former MPs to unite under the People Power Party banner.

He recommended that they base their campaign re-election bid by highlighting the achievements and economic policies of his former government.

He also said the campaign should focus on reconciliation and people's livelihoods rather

than confrontation with rival candidates.

Thaksin's former government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said the disbanded party would carry on campaigning to defeat the draft charter and its activities would stay within the legal limits allowed by the referendum law.

He said that many newspapers, except Matichon and Post Today, had refused to publish his adverts opposing the charter and many billboard operators had also turned down contracts to display the message to vote "no".

The referendum outcome should represent the majority vote of more than 50 per cent, otherwise the result would be inconclusive, he said.

"If less than 50 per cent of voters cast ballots, then we

don't feel this is the charter for the entire population," Surapong said.

The remnants of the Thai Rak Thai party expect to meet at a convention of the People Power Party on August 18.

After that they will vote to elect a new leader, highly tipped to be political veteran Samak Sundaravej.

Kesinee Jaikawang,

The Nation