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Published on November 3, 2007

The Pua Paendin Party has projected it will win 85 of the 480 House seats, with a margin of error of plus or minus 20 seats, a party source said yesterday.

In the Northeast, the party expects to claim 54 of the 136 seats up for grabs via direct election: seven from Sakon Nakhon; six each from Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani; five each from Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima; four each from Yasothon and Surin; two from Amnat Charoen and one seat each from Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom and Si Sa Ket.

The party expects to win eight seats in the Central Region and Eastern Seaboard: five from Samut Prakan, two from Chachoengsao and one from Prachin Buri.

In the North it expects six seats: one each from Chiang Mai and Phayao and two each from Lamphun and Mae Hong Son.

The party is also confident of claiming three seats in Bangkok and four from the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

For the proportionate vote, the party has projected securing 10 seats from the eight constituencies nationwide.

The party's campaign managers include its leader Suwit Khunkitti and political veterans such as Pracha Phromnok, Kwang Robkob, Waemahadee Wada-oh, Suradej Yasawat, Vatana Asavahame, Pinij Charusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday told his candidates to strictly comply with campaign rules, saying the party would rather lose than break the rules.

"The Democrats must set an example in campaigning compliance as we will not grab power by unjust means," he said at the party's orientation course for candidates.

The party will not tolerate campaign violations regardless of how much victory means to it and its candidates, he said.

Every winning candidate will have to declare their assets fully and observe all ethical and professional standards prescribed for elected officials, he said, adding that elected Democrats should be ready to clear family and business obligations in order to avoid a conflict of interest once they assume office.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban urged candidates to focus on ensuring effective communication with their constituents.

In case candidates have doubts on certain campaigning activities, they should consult the party's legal team first in order to avoid being disqualified, he said.

The party is slated next week to consult with its ally Chat Thai Party to schedule a meeting on campaign strategy.

Supon Thanukrit,

 Yossawadee Hongthong

 The Nation