Samak says he's the undisputed choice

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday insisted there was no conflict in his party that could derail his chances of becoming prime minister if it succeeds in forming a new government.

He dismissed speculation that party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee would replace him as the leading candidate for the premiership.

"We have no problems within the party. There are only evil destroyers outside," Samak said, without elaborating.

People Power executives also insisted Samak was qualified to be prime minister.

Deputy secretary-general Sukhumpong Ngonkham said reports of others heading a PPP-led government instead of Samak were made to create conflicts within the party.

The leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament should be prime minister and the PPP have no substitute (for Samak), he said. Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang also dismissed speculation that the party was in the midst of picking Surapong as prime minister.

The party was ready to form a government and was only waiting for the Election Commission's endorsement of the MPs and official announcement of Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties to join the coalition, he said.

"Samak will lead the coalition government," he confirmed.

PPP deputy leader Ruengroj Mahasaranond said party members would let Samak be prime minister according to the rules, adding that party executives would not be discussing the issue at a meeting today.

On speculation over the appointment of a former Army strongman as the next defence minister, Ruengroj said he could not reveal the name of the person, although the party had decided on the candidate.

He said the party had many members who were formerly in the military.

Puea Pandin secretary-general Vachara Phachet voiced support for People Power nominating its secretary-general Surapong as prime minister.

"Puea Pandin will not interfere with People Power affairs, but in my personal view I think it is a good idea to forge national reconciliation [with the choice of Surapong over Samak as PM]," he said.

Nevertheless, Vachara said his party would endorse any decision made by People Power in order to restore political normalcy.

Peua Pandin spokesman Wachiramon Kunakasemthanawat said his party leaders had held informal talks with their Chart Thai counterparts before making a formal announcement on whether to join the PPP-led coalition.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he would finalise his stand on the coalition led by People Power on Friday.

The Nation