AEKARACH SATTABURUTH
Former prime minister Samak Sundaravej has resigned the leadership of the People Power party (PPP) to clear the way for his replacement by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Samarn Lertwongrat, the party's registrar, said he received a letter of resignation from Mr Samak on Monday. It was dated Sept 26.
In the letter, Mr Samak said since he no longer holds any post in the government he wanted to resign as party leader so the party could choose a suitable successor.
Mr Samak was disqualified from the office of prime minister by the Constitution Court for violating the charter by receiving payments for hosting television cooking shows.
Mr Samarn said Mr Samak will remain a party-list MP.
Mr Samak's resignation means the tenure of party's executive board is automatically terminated. The board will continue to act in a caretaker capacity and Mr Somchai, as deputy party leader, will be interim party leader.
A party assembly will be held to select a new party leader and a new executive board within 60 days.
Mr Samarn said there will be no problem if Mr Somchai is nominated to succeed Mr Samak. He denied suggestions that Mr Samak quit under pressure from other party members.
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