Thida to resign to pave way for Jatuporn
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Thida Thavornset plans to resign as the chairwoman of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship to pave the way for Jatuporn Promphan to lead the red-shirt movement, red-shirt leaders said Monday.
Pheu Thai MP Weng Tojirakarn, who is Thida’s husband, said Thida expressed her wish to resign during the assembly of the UDD over the weekend.
Weng said Thida said Jatuporn should become the new leader of the UDD because he has been left out of the Yingluck Cabinet during the last three reshuffles despite speculation that he would be given a position.
Thida told the assembly that Jatuporn is qualified to lead the red-shirt movement, Weng said.
According to Weng, Jatuporn agreed to accept the post but said he would need a few months to assess the political situation, He also has a health problem that needs to be cleared up before taking up the position.
Weng said Thida would remain in the position and was scheduled to complete her term in February next year.
“She will resign before completing her term to pave the way for Jatuporn,” Weng said.
Samut Prakan MP Worachai Hema, a red-shirt leader, said all the UDD members agreed that Jatuporn should be the next leader and would be able to cope with the current political situation, which has seen the red-shirt movement pushed into a corner.
Worachai said a new election for the UDD leader would be held soon.
“Since Jatuporn has lost his hopes of winning a Cabinet seat, everyone wants him to lead the people’s democratic army. From now on, the UDD will be more active and hold rallies around the country,” Worachai said.
The UDD leaders will hold a meeting at 1pm on Tuesday to discuss the UDD chairmanship. They are expected to reach a decision, which will be announced at a press conference at the Imperial World Lat Phrao on Wednesday.
