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Published on November 9, 2007

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday challenged his main rival for the premiership, People Power leader Samak Sundaravej, to a nationwide debate.

"I wonder why Samak doesn't have the courage to join a [televised] debate and present his ideas on what he can do for the country," Abhisit said in response to Samak's campaign statement that those who support the coup should vote for the Democrats.

Samak and Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa had turned down an invitation to join other party leaders on Wednesday night's debate on Modernine TV.

Abhisit said he was ready to appear on any TV debate with Samak.

The Democrats declared they would not to work with the PPP because of diverging ideologies, he said.

A Democrat campaign spokesman said Abhisit was the complete opposite of Samak and voters would have to choose between the two for their next prime minister.

"This is a two-horse race for the leadership - vote Democrats if you want Abhisit or support the PPP if you want Samak," Thepthai Senpong said.

The Democrats have fanned out to promote the people's agenda, while Samak is avoiding going head to head with Abhisit, he said.

"Judging from Samak's reluctance to reveal his stance, it's clear that the control of the party is under someone abroad," he said in reference to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is living in exile in London.

The Nation