ANALYSIS: Democrats meet tomorrow to pick key figures but fur may fly over choice of new secretary-general

ANALYSIS: Democrats meet tomorrow to pick key figures but fur may fly over choice of new secretary-general

Abhisit Vejjajiva is expected to be re-elected as the Democrat leader at a party meeting tomorrow.

And party sources believe MP for Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chalermchai Sri-on, will be Mr Abhisit's choice for new party secretary-general.

The Democrats are to meet at the Miracle Grand Hotel in Bangkok to elect their new executive board after the resignation of Mr Abhisit and secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban in the wake of the July 3 general election failure.

Initially, party-list MP Apirak Kosayodhin, a former Bangkok governor, was favoured for the post of secretary-general. However, he was forced to step aside as the National Anti-Corruption Commission is taking legal action against him over the 2004 fire trucks and boats procurement scandal.

Sources said many of the party's key figures are surprised by Mr Abhisit's decision to support Mr Chalermchai.

They are concerned the move could further harm the party after its massive election defeat.

The party is now in need of reform and it also needs a secretary-general with charisma and strong leadership skills to help re-invigorate it and boost its popularity, insiders said.

Mr Chalermchai has let it be known that he supports outgoing Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij to become the next Democrat leader after Mr Abhisit, but this has met with resistance from MPs from southern and central provinces who do not want Mr Korn's influence in the party to increase.

One source who is a key party figure said Mr Chalermchai does not have what it takes to be a power broker who can work with politicians from other parties and pressure groups, as well as Mr Suthep did.

Most importantly, one of the party's priorities will be to expand its support base in the North and the Northeast, which are the traditional strongholds of the Pheu Thai Party.

But it seems that Mr Chalermchai cannot measure up to the job, the same source said.

However, another source close to Mr Abhisit said he wanted to name Mr Chalermchai as secretary-general because he needed someone to help the party to reach out more to working class people.

Mr Abhisit is also said to be impressed with Mr Chalermchai's contributions when he was labour minister.

Songkhla MP Sirichoke Sopha said Mr Abhisit has a plan to boost the party's chances of winning more House seats in future elections.

He believes the party stands a good chance of capturing more seats in the central region, compared to other regions. The party needs MPs from the central region to work towards this goal and at least three names emerged for the job.

They include list MP Alongkorn Ponlaboot, MP for Rayong Sathit Pitutecha and Mr Chalermchai, Mr Sirichoke said.

Tomorrow, the party will also discuss how it can succeed in widening its support base and strengthening unity among the party ranks.

The stakes are high for Mr Abhisit to decide who will become the new party secretary-general. A misstep and a wrong choice could result in the party failing again in the next election.