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| Pheu Thai MP Mum on Row with Peer |
| UPDATE : 3 February 2010 |
The Pheu Thai MP chairman keeps mum on his dispute with the group's influential figure, saying he does not want to exacerbate the issue.
Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister denies his ruling Democrat Party will reclaim seats at key ministries after the censure debate.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thauguban, also secretary general of the ruling Democrat Party, said he has paid no attention to the remark by Pheu Thai MP Chairman Chalerm Yoobamrung that claimed the Democrats have a plan to reclaim ministerial posts at important ministries after the no-confidence debate.
Suthep stated he knows Chalerm well and has never believed in what he said.
Commenting on Chalerm's attack on banned Thai Rak Thai executive Sudarut Keyurapan over her intervention in Pheu Thai's affairs, Suthep said he wanted the opposition bloc to remain united but he believes the dispute will not affect the censure debate.
Chalerm, meanwhile, declined to talk about his recent dispute with Sudarat, who plays a key role in his party, saying he has already discussed the matter with party members and does not want to create more conflict.
Chalerm said the party will decide whether to approve his proposal on dividing the party campaign areas in Bangkok into three zones. He cited his proposal aims to build unity within the group and he has no problems with its members while confirming the rumor over his lobbying for his sons to be fielded in the next general election is not true.
The outspoken politician also denied that he wants to lead the upcoming no-confidence debate, saying he has earlier resigned from the post of MP chief but the party wanted him to stay in charge.
Opposition whip chief Witthaya Buranasiri affirmed the conflict will have no bearing on the work of his party and he believes Chalerm's remark aimed to air his concern. Witthaya said the dispute needs no other parties to mediate as Chalerm should resolve the problem himself.
At the same time, Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wong-nongtoei expressed concern over the comment by Pheu Thai chairman General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on the possibility of partial seizure of the 76 billion-baht assets of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Sathit said his remark is not appropriate and it could be seen as contempt of court.
The minister also said he agreed with the Interior Ministry's planned formation of its own satellite TV station emphasizing on the Monarchy. Sathit, however, suggested its content must be constructive and it must not be exploited as a political tool
Sathit, who is in charge of supervising state media, also disclosed he is preparing to introduce a number of programs to provide accurate information on the judiciary process related to the assets seizure case against Thaksin.
He said those programs will be broadcast between February 8 and 25 and affirmed they will not be for political gains of the government.
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