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Published on January 16, 2008

Politicians have honoured the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana by refraining from any elaborate practices during the 15-day official mourning period.

Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary-general of People Power, said the party would unveil the coalition government by this weekend, ahead of the convening of Parliament on Monday.

"As the convening of Parliament approaches, it is opportune to outline the

formation of the coalition government and related political activities," Surapong said.

He said the unveiling of the coalition should happen either on Friday or Saturday.

Separately, Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa also said he would announce his party's joining the coalition government on Friday.

Banharn would like to wait for the verdicts of the Supreme Court in two important cases - whether People Power acted as a nominee for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and whether early polls are unconstitutional.

People Power MPs-elect will attend an orientation programme on Sunday in order to prepare for doing their legislative duties, he said.

Party leader Samak Sundaravej will be the sole candidate for the position of prime minister, he said. He also hinted that deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat might be nominated for the position of House speaker even though he has yet to clear his name in connection with electoral fraud in Chiang Rai.

"Any rumours about Samak not becoming the prime minister are meant to sow confusion and party infighting," he said.

Samak yesterday held a meeting with core members of People Power. He expressed his concern that the Election Commission might not formally approve at least 456 MPs, or 95 per cent of the total, which is necessary to allow Parliament to convene its first session.

Other People Power members have also voiced their concern that by-elections held on January 17 and 20 might not produce MPs in time for Parliament's first session because it takes time for the Election Commission to approve the poll results.

The Constitution requires Parliament to hold its first session within 30 days after the election. A delay might create legal problems.

Puea Pandin Party executives will meet today to decide whether to join the People Power-led government.

Party leader Suwit Khunkitti said earlier the party make a joint announcement with Chart Thai.

Three small parties - Pracharaj, Matchima Thipataya and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana - agreed to join the coalition on December 31.

The Nation