Somchai the favourite to be next PM

[mallard]

Source: Bangkok Post

DEPUTY CHIEF OF PPP LEADS RACE TO HEAD GOVERNMENT

"Somchai Wongsawat has an advantage over two other rivals in the People Power party (PPP) in the race to become the next prime minister, after Samak Sundaravej decided on Friday to retire from politics.

"Mr Somchai, Sompong Amornwiwat and Surapong Suebwonglee were picked by key party members yesterday to be potential candidates in the race.

"Only one will be officially endorsed by PPP members at a meeting tomorrow. The name will be forwarded to the other five coalition parties for backing on Tuesday, one day before lawmakers reconvene in the House to vote for a new government leader.

"Mr Somchai and Mr Sompong are the PPP's deputy leaders. Mr Surapong is secretary-general."

Read more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/140908_News/14Sep2008_news001.php

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Maybe Samak didn't have the right smile for Thailand's ruling elite. He was just way too Thai. It's quite striking to any visitor how everything from commercially viable property to media and including power-brokering there is the absolute domain of heirs of Chinese immigrants. Never colonized - my rice bowl.

samak


somchai


sompong


surapong


They are Siamese - if you please - and they are Siamese, especially, if you don't please.

tak bai october '04


mallard, nantou taiwan

[paulk]

1. he's a "squareface" and you're right

Thai's with indigenous blood are generally 2nd class citizens. That was also part of Thaksin's problem.

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The original Chinese migration to Siam was in 600BC, these are the people who call themselves "Thais". I don't know that it's correct to call them "Chinese immigrants" - they've been there long enough to establish themselves as a distinct cultural and racial group, but you're right - they are the rulers of Thailand.