Chuan Shuns Return As Democrat Party Leader

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai dismissed on Tuesday speculation he come back as leader of the Democrat Party in place of caretaker premier Abhisit Vejjajiva.    Mr Chuan said he will not accept the post of top leadership of the country’s oldest party though he might probably remain the first choice among the party’s rank and file. However, Mr Chuan suggested Mr Abhisit come back as head of the party, though he already resigned on Monday, following a large defeat in Sunday’s electoral contests which saw an archrival Puea Thai Party sweep most MP seats. The Puea Thai Party, loyal to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra made 265 MPs, compared to 159 for Mr Abhisit’s party.   A new secretary general of the party to replace Suthep Thuaksuban, who stepped down alongside Mr Abhisit, will be named by the leader of the party, he added. Produced by VoiceTV