Suthep Thaugsuban may be the next heir to Thailand's Democrat Party?

Democrats tap Suthep as saviour

ANALYSIS: The deputy PM, chosen to contest Surat Thani by-election, could be last man left standing if party is banned

27/09/2010
Pradit Ruangdit and Suphapong Chaolan
Bangkok Post

The Democrat Party is looking to its own survival in choosing its secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban to contest a by-election in Surat Thani next month.

A branch meeting in the southern province yesterday voted for the 61-year-old political veteran to stand in the by-election in Constituency 1 set down by the Election Commission for Oct 30.

The seat was vacated when the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled on Sept 16 against Democrat incumbent Chumpol Kanchana.