Vichian to contest Udon Thani PAO race
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Pheu Thai MP Vichian Khaokham on Tuesday confirmed he would quit his House seat in order to contest the race for the position of the Provincial Organisation Administration chairman in Udon Thani.
Vichian is expected to submit his resignation as the party-list MP before registering his candidacy for the local race on Friday.
The red shirts and the party’s Northeast clique led by Justice Minister Pracha Promnok both voiced support for Vichian’s candidacy.
“With the joint blessing from the red shirts and the party elders, I have humbly decided to contest the Udon Thani race,” Vichian said.
He finalised his decision after consulting with Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit.
He initially wanted to opt for exiting the national politics in order to run the local government but had to review his stand in the wake of the Pheu Thai defeat in the Pathum Thani PAO race last month.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly barred Pheu Thai MPs from contesting the local polls.
Vichian said he decided not to heed Thaksin’s ban because of two reasons - his ruling party had no alternative candidate and the number of red shirts rallied behind his candidacy.
