BANGKOK, Aug 24 (AFP): Allies of ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Friday elected an outspoken former Bangkok mayor to lead their new party as the nation gears up for elections promised by the year's end.
Samak Sundaravej, a fiery veteran lawmaker who has frequently clashed with the royalist elite in the military, was elected as leader of the People Power Party.
It was just a tiny fringe group until four weeks ago when 300 of Thaksin's allies joined and turned it into a vehicle for them to contest the elections expected in December.
Thai Rak Thai (TRT), which Thaksin founded and led to two sweeping election victories, was disbanded by a military- appointed court in May.
Samak, 72, made picked no bones about his role in a party widely seen as a front for Thaksin's interests.
"I don't care if people think that I am a Thaksin nominee, but I will make this party strong within one year in order to restore democracy," Samak told reporters.
"I am volunteering to repair the leaky roof on our democracy, which was destroyed by the military. Now it's up to voters to decide which party they want to support," he added.
Thaksin is currently living in exile in London and faces corruption charges if he returns to Thailand.
Samak's previous opponents include former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda, who is the top adviser to Thailand's king.
Thaksin allies choose new leader for Thai vote
FE Team | Published: August 25, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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