Sanan makes a birthday wish

"We will wait until after the election result to decide who should get our support as the next prime minister. But I expect that person to come from our side," said Sanan.

He said there is an opportunity for his current threeparty alliance of Mahachon, Chat Thai and Democrat parties to join forces with other groups. However, this would depend on whether they have the same ideas as the three parties.

The veteran politician was speaking during a party to celebrate his 72nd birthday held at his house in Nonthaburi, where many leading politicians were among the wellwishers.

Sanan said that as a birthday gift, he wants all factions to cooperate to form the government after the next election.

He said his party has no candidate for the government leader's post, adding that he just wanted to have seats in Parliament.

Among the wellwishers present at Sanan's house were his political allies Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapaarcha, Chat Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul, Matchima group leader Somsak Thepsuthin, and other key members.

Ruam Jai Thai group's key figures Anek Laothmatas, Pradit Phattaraprasit and Pornthep Tejapaibool, Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong, Chalerm Yoobamrung and Prachamati Party leader Pramuan Rujanaseree also attended the birthday party.

Key members from the rival People Power Party(PPP) did not appear at the event.

However, PPP's Sudarat Keyuraphan's representative presented a flower bouquet, and former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's close aide also gave flowers to the Mahachon leader.

Chalerm said he hoped Sanan would become the "king maker" for the next government. The Mahachon leader smiled and thanked him.

Snoh said he was ready to work together with Sanan, adding they will be serving as "main pillars" for younger politicians.