Former premier Somchai Wongsawat poses a threat to ex-Thai Rak Thai deputy Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan as a potential candidate to lead Pheu Thai, following his recent acquittal in an abuse-of-power case, a source said Thursday.
Mr Somchai was found not guilty on Wednesday for the deaths of two yellow-shirt protesters after he ordered their dispersal at a rally in 2008. Charges were also dropped against his then-deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and former police officials.
Many Pheu Thai and red-shirt members say Mr Somchai has a good chance of seizing the party leadership if he throws his hat in the ring, now a court has ruled him in the clear.
Khunying Sudarat has reportedly emerged as a contender and has won the blessing of Thaksin Shinawatra to steer Pheu Thai into the next election scheduled for 2018.
Thaksin, another former prime minister, ranks as the party's de facto leader despite having lived in self-imposed exile for years to avoid charges in Thailand.
But Mr Somchai has an edge over Khunying Sudarat as he enjoys closer ties with the Shinawatras, political analysts said.
He is the husband of Yaowapa Wongsawat, Thaksin's younger sister. Ms Yaowapa is also the older sister of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose fate in the rice-pledging scheme will be known on Aug 25 when the Supreme Court rules on the case.
This week's ruling, which exonerated Mr Somchai after he ordered police to break up a protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) nine years ago that also left 471 people injured, was a game-changer for Khunying Sudarat, who had reportedly only just won Thaksin's backing to lead Pheu Thai.
The party source said that before the ruling, Thaksin had instructed party members to respect and accept Khunying Sudarat as he placed his trust in her to direct the party.
The source said Thaksin appeared convinced the only way to keep the party together and secure an even bigger foothold was to nominate someone from outside the Shinawatra clan to take the helm.
But he formed this view when Mr Somchai and Ms Yingluck were embroiled in court trials and Thaksin was thought to be running out of options for the top post.
The source said Khunying Sudarat won Thaksin's approval because she is a seasoned politician having served in A-list cabinet posts such as deputy interior minister, public health minister and agriculture minister.
The only thing standing between her and the party's top post was the National Council for Peace and Order's ban on political parties holding meetings -- a necessary precursor for new party leadership to be endorsed.
Somkid Cheukong, a former Pheu Thai MP for Ubon Ratchathani, said he welcomed the idea of Mr Somchai assuming the party leadership and maybe returning as prime minister.
"His innocence has been proven in court," he said.
Core red-shirt member Pornsak Sri-lamul said anyone aspiring to lead the party should keep a low profile. This was seen as a jab at Khunying Sudarat, who toured Sakon Nakhon on Thursday to hand out relief supplies to flood victims.
Mr Pornsak said Khunying Sudarat was notably absent during the red-shirts' street protests. They are considered a staunch ally of the Pheu Thai. "Thailand will not have another female prime minister for many, many years," he said.
Mr Somchai's prospects may improve if Ms Yingluck is acquitted on Aug 25, the source said.