Rival Groups Jostle to Fill Thai Premier’s Post

Rival political parties nominated different candidates Saturday to be Thailand’s next prime minister, both claiming that they had the parliamentary majority necessary to form a government.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Chuan Leekpai--who has the support of at least 210 members of Thailand’s 393-member National Assembly--prepared to assume power.

But the House speaker apparently failed to forward any nomination for the automatic but constitutionally required approval of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was not known when he would do so.

Chuan and other party leaders expressed confidence that they would be forming a government soon.

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned as prime minister Thursday because he could not solve Thailand’s severe economic woes. The value of Thailand’s currency has plummeted, stock market prices have tumbled, and the country recently accepted a $17.2-billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Chuan, head of the opposition, planned to form an eight-party coalition to replace Chavalit, but the ruling coalition group led by Chavalit’s New Aspiration Party also claims to have a majority of parliamentary votes.

Both groups say they have the support of the Thai Citizens party’s 18 lawmakers. Party leader Samak Sundarevej has stood by the ruling coalition, even as at least 14 members of his party have publicly switched their support to Chuan.

The New Aspiration Party supports Chatichai Choonhavan, head of the National Development Party, to be the new premier.

Chatichai’s supporters desperately maneuvered Saturday to derail or delay Chuan’s appointment.