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Samak backed for Thai PM return Samak accepts Thai PM nomination
(about 1 hour later)
Thailand's ruling party has re-nominated Samak Sundaravej as prime minister days after he was forced out. Thailand's Samak Sundaravej has accepted his party's nomination as prime minister - two days after he was forced to quit the post.
But the People Power Party's move is expected to be opposed by its coalition partners, who want a new PM. The People Power Party said Mr Samak had done nothing wrong and wanted to see his return to the post.
Mr Samak was removed from office two days ago after a court ruled his appearance on a TV cook show flouted constitutional rules. The move is likely to be opposed by the PPP's coalition partners, as well as thousands of protesters who have sought Mr Samak's resignation.
Protesters have occupied government offices for the past two weeks, demanding Mr Samak's resignation. Mr Samak was forced out after he was found to have flouted the constitution.
"A majority of the People Power Party supports Samak as candidate for prime minister," PPP spokesman Suthin Klangsang told a news conference. His appearances on a TV cookery show were deemed by a Constitutional Court on Tuesday to have flouted constitutional rules by accepting illegal payments.
"If he declines, we will find another candidate". Parliament votes
Mr Samak, 73, was forced from office on Tuesday after a Constitutional Court ruled that that he had violated the constitution by hosting TV cooking shows while in office. "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister," said PPP spokesman, Suthin Klangsang.
The PPP party immediately vowed to re-nominate him, but appeared to back away from such a move on Wednesday. "Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post."
Other partners in the six-member coalition suggested they would not support a return by Mr Samak. POLITICAL CRISIS 26 Aug: Protesters occupy government buildings, demand the government step down28 Aug: PM Samak promises no use of force against the protesters30 Aug: Samak rules out resignation, after meeting with Thailand's king 1 Sept: A late-night clash between pro- and anti-government groups leaves one dead. Samak declares a state of emergency4 Sept: Samak proposes a national referendum9 Sept: Court orders Samak to resign for violating constitution class="" href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7584005.stm">Q&A: Bangkok protests
He had earlier told a news conference that the majority of the PPP "supports Samak as candidate for prime minister".
The decision is likely to enrage the thousands of protesters who have been holding a sit-in outside Government House calling for Mr Samak's resignation.
They accuse him of being a proxy for Mr Thaksin, who was ousted in an army coup in 2006 amid accusations of corruption and abuse of power.
They have said they do not want any member of the PPP to become the next prime minister.
The PPP's five other coalition partners also made it clear that they wanted a different prime minister.
Parliament is due to elect a new prime minister on Friday.Parliament is due to elect a new prime minister on Friday.