Signs of hostility melting

There are suspicions as to why Samak changed his mind about the censure debate.

Samak had earlier opposed the opposition's censure motion, saying there was not enough time in the Parliament's extraordinary session. But last Friday, House Speaker Chai Chidchob put the motion on the meeting agenda and set June 24-25 for the debate.

There were two theories about this decision.

First, Chai, on orders from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, may have wanted to use the debate to oust Samak as rumour has it that Thaksin wants the PM's post for one of his close aides - either Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat or Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

The other theory is that Samak urged Chai to move quickly in putting the motion on the agenda so he could get back the right to dissolve the House. Under the Constitution, Samak cannot dissolve the House if the opposition submits a censure motion. The sooner the debate finishes the more options Samak has.

This will benefit Samak as with a limited time of 36 hours for the debate, he can reclaim his right to dissolve the House, which he can use at anytime.

The second theory seems more likely.

There were reports Samak and Newin Chidchob's relationship had soured. Newin by-passed Samak when appointing Cabinet members and pushed for four members in his camp to be appointed to ministerial posts.

There are now rumours they have patched up their differences.

It was reported Newin helped Samak to solve the "mob crisis" when Samak was cornered by the People's Alliance for Democracy. Samak held a secret meeting recently with Newin and Samak's secretary-general Teerapol Noplampa.

And the PM also appointed Newin as his chief advisor in the censure debate.

The Friends of Newin group, consisting of around 90 Northeast MPs of the People Power Party, set up a "guardian" team to protect Samak, who has no support from the MPs. The group have prepared 10 sharp-tongued MPs to counter-attack the opposition in the debate.

Despite no confirmation, it is a sign of melting hostility between the two.