YUWADEE TUNYASIRI

Thai Rak Thai is organising a ``caravan of thanks'' throughout Bangkok today in appreciation for the outpouring of votes the party received in Sunday's general election.

Party spokesman Suranand Vejjajiva said the party had put up billboards with messages to thank Bangkok voters across the city for their support.

The message of thanks from party leader Thaksin Shinawatra also promises the most effective government for the people over the next four years and it will also be published in several newspapers.

Mr Suranand said the caravan of about 30 vehicles was organised by Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Rak Thai deputy leader who is also the party's election director in Bangkok.

Mr Suranand said the party's legal team would assist its MPs-elect in following up on vote-fraud complaints. He thanked the Election Commission (EC) and state officials acting as poll observers for ensuring a smooth election.

The spokesman said the party was prepared for by-elections should MPs-elect in any constituency be disqualified or suspended by the EC.

Mr Suranand, however, expected few problems as most of its candidates had won by wide margins.

Thai Rak Thai was ordering checks on suspected irregularities in the Phra Nakhon-Pomprap Sattruphai area where the party was beaten by the Democrats. It claimed there were inconsistencies between the voter turnout and the number of invalid ballots cast.

The party has lodged a complaint with the EC in the constituency. Mr Suranand denied the party was being a spoil sport.

The spokesman said the party clinched its overwhelming victory in Bangkok possibly because of its campaign promise to build more mass transit train routes.