Samak wants to return as PM to protect democracy

"Samak has accepted PPP's nomination for him to be prime minister," said Suthin Klangsang, a spokesman for the People Power Party (PPP).

"He is ready to be prime minister again if the Parliament that will convene on Friday think he is fit. He is happy to take the post again," Suthin added.

Suthin quoted Samak as saying that Samak was not worried much about the criticism, he just wanted all things to go according to the procedures and laws.

"Samak said a major reason that made him accept the renomination is because he wants to protect democracy of the country and to solve the ongoing problems," Suthin said.

Now it is the decision of the Parliament, Suthin said, adding if the Parliament do not think he is fit, he will not take the post.

Suthin denied that PPP has an alternative candidate to propose to the Parliament. "We did not discuss about alternative candidate," he said.

The spokesman said he wanted to make it clear that majority of the party members support Samak. Therefore what he thought about this is up to him, he said.

Earlier a meeting of PPP MPs has decided to re-nominate Samak Sundaravej for the prime minister's post despite strong objections from protesters and its coalition partners.

PPP's spokesman Kudeb Saikrajang said a majority of party members voted to reappoint Samak.

Samak is "the leader of our party so he is the best choice."