PAD names Somsak as party head

The People's Alliance for Democracy's political party has taken a major step towards becoming a formal entity by naming Somsak Kosaisuk its interim leader.

Mr Somsak will remain in charge until the situation becomes clearer for PAD founder Sondhi Limthongkul, who is tipped as the likely party head.

Mr Somsak is expected to run the New Politics Party until its first general assembly is held to pick Mr Sondhi, the media baron who owns the Manager group, as party boss.

Mr Sondhi, who also owns the PAD's broadcast arm ASTV, has long been touted as the party leader in waiting.

The PAD convened a major gathering on May 25 at Thammasat University's main stadium when the majority of supporters gave their consensus for the alliance to form a political party.

Yesterday's meeting at Ban Phra Arthit chose New Politics Party for the name to reflect the alliance's core manifesto.

The party, now complete with a leader and an executive board, is ready to go ahead with registration at the Election Commission tomorrow.

The crucial meeting yesterday was not attended by the four other PAD leaders: Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon and Mr Sondhi.

Mr Somsak was installed as leader at the new party's first meeting yesterday because he was the most senior of the PAD founders, a PAD source said. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila is the party secretary-general.

The meeting appointed 21 executives. They also will work in an interim capacity.

The executives, nominated by regional representatives of the PAD, are tasked with registering the party with the Election Commission, expanding the party's support base, drafting campaign policies and organising a general assembly within 60 days after registration.

The general assembly will then pick permanent executives and the party leader.

After the meeting, Mr Sondhi spoke cautiously of his chances of heading the party.

"I would probably accept the post but would not contest the next general election," he said. "I just want to get a campaign rolling and set a new political order."

Mr Suriyasai said the current line-up of executives was to prepare the groundwork for the party's growth. The arrangement was such that they could be replaced.

"We expect to have the general meeting to select the new party leader as quickly as possible," Mr Suriyasai said.

He said Mr Sondhi had been cleared of, or is working to clear, many legal cases against him. They should not stand in the way of his leading the party, he said.

Mr Somsak, who is free to stand as the permanent leader, said people should not underestimate the party's ability and popularity. He was confident the party would grow into a political institution to give voters an alternative to the mainstream groups.

In future general elections, the PAD network in each province would field its own candidates who know the local voters' needs the best. "We want decent people to enter parliament. At the same time, we'll try to do everything we can to root out the bad eggs," Mr Somsak said.

Political observers were not convinced the new party - which is already looking for a change of guard so early in its formation - has a clear direction.

Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, a political scientist and rector of the National Institute of Development Administration, said he would rather wait and see what the "real" leader brings to the table.

Mr Sombat said the party would certainly be a new choice for voters but was sceptical about whether it would be popular among voters.

The party needs a charismatic leadership to compete with other parties in the next poll, he said.

A PAD source said the new party had considered women a major political force in society and aimed to enlist their support by giving them a greater role in policy making.

Women are thought to make up the mainstay of PAD supporters and had been active in the movement's activities since its inception, the source said.

"As of now the PAD will raise the profile of women," the source said. "Their role will be taken to a higher level. Women will become a major force [of the new party].

"Together, women from all social strata - the grassroots and the intellectuals - will play a part in moving the party forward."