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Thailand's Democrat Party ready to regain power

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-14 20:14

Thailand's economy has taken a battering due to the global slowdown, a local climate of uncertainty and the seven-day stoppage of international flights that battered the country's essential tourism industry. Some economists are predicting the country will slip into recession next year.

Stranded passengers line up to check-in for their flights at a makeshift airline terminal in Bangkok December 1, 2008. Anti-government protesters consolidated their positions at Thailand's besieged main airport as attention shifted to a court verdict that could end the crisis. [Agencies]

"No one likes the vacuum of power, especially in a time of economic difficulty. The Democrats seem to be stronger than Phuea Thai, so the private sector might give them full support just to have someone to answer for all problems we have," said Teerana Pongmakapat, a lecturer in political economy at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Suthep Thuagsuban, the secretary-general of the Democrat Party, said he was certain his party would get about 260 votes in Parliament on Monday.

"Thaksin's speech last night could not sway our supporters from the former coalition parties away, he told reporters. "We will definitely win."

But acting Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, a Thaksin loyalist, said the Phuea Thai Party has the support of at least 230 lawmakers who will vote for former police chief Pracha, who heads the small Puea Pandin party.

The House of Representatives normally has 480 members, but because of vacancies currently has 438 members. The next prime minister will need the support of more than 220 lawmakers.

Whoever is selected will be Thailand's fifth prime minister in a little more than two years.

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