Sondhi wins PAD support

Sondhi Limthongkul, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, is the top favourite of PAD supporters to head their newly-established New Politics Party.

The PAD yesterday released the results of its survey conducted among 22,013 supporters between May 24-25.

The respondents were asked to give their views on the alliance's decision to establish the NPP and on who the most suitable choice was for party leader.

Among the PAD's five core leaders, just under 54% wanted Mr Sondhi to head the party. Some 17% favoured Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, 15% wanted Somkiat Pongpaiboon, about 6% favoured Somsak Kosaisuk, and just under 5% picked Pibhop Dhongchai.

On their choice of party leader in the event the core leaders decided to play no role in the new party, most respondents favoured Arthit Urairat, Rangsit University rector and former House speaker who is a key PAD supporter, followed by former senator Chirmsak Pinthong and PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila.

Asked how the PAD could achieve its goal to push for its "New Politics" platform, most respondents, around 81%, saw the need for the PAD to set up its own party. Only 14% said the PAD should resume its protest rallies.