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Published on January 19, 2008

Chaiwat timed his resignation to precede today's ruling and distance the party from the litigation.

In the high-profile judicial review, he asked the Supreme Court to adjudicate on four points, two of which involved advance votes cast on December 15 and December 16. The others relate to the status of the People Power Party.

Top Democrats, including leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, had wanted Chaiwat to drop the advance-voting challenge on the grounds that the party was not questioning the balloting.

"I am grateful to the Democrat Party for having given me an opportunity to pursue my political career. My work is done; hence I resign as I promised Suthep," he said. He had agreed to quit if he pursued his legal challenges.

 Suthep said he was obliged to enforce party discipline. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva praised Chaiwat for his decision and described him as a brave fighter.

The Nation