Santi Vilassakdanont, who was controversially elected the new chairman of the conflict-torn Federal of Thai Industries (FTI), has resigned, hoping to bring an end to the division in the largest country's private sector organisation.
Mr Santi was elected on Nov 26 to replace Payungsak Chartsutthipol, the incumbent FTI chairman who was voted out by members who complained he had not done enough to protect the private sector's interests, particularly on the issue of the daily minimum wage that will be raised to 300 baht nationwide from Jan 1.
After the election, both Mr Santi and Mr Payungsak claim legitimacy in their chairmanship. Mr Payungsak's term is due to formally end in March 2014.
Industry Ministry permanent secretary Witoon Simachokedee said Mr Santi submitted a letter on Thursday to Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk resigning from the chairmanship.
He wanted to give the FTI a positive image and believed his stepping aside would help pave way for negotiations to end the conflict within its ranks.
Mr Witoon said he would accept the letter and review its legal aspects.
FTI vice-chairman Thanit Sorat said Mr Payungsak should also resign now Mr Santi had shown his spirit in taking a step back.
"A new election should be held to show true democracy," he said.
According to the FTI's public relations department, a total of 39 industry groups support Mr Payungsak.