No replies to this topic

[Hedda]

"Meechai Ruchupan overcame popular opposition to win the key position of president of the National Legislative Assembly, which will act as a parliament during military rule.

Mr Meechai won 167 votes in the 242-member body.

Support for Prasong Soonsiri faded when the vote came to a head, and he polled just 47. Purachai Piumsombun, a former minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra administration who fell out with Mr Thaksin, got 27 votes.

The NLA has no power to vote on government decisions, and it cannot censure or impeach members of the military-backed cabinet. Civic groups and some citizens have questioned the links between Mr Thaksin and some of the NLA's appointed members.

Mr Meechai drew both heavy criticism and veiled threats as he pressed his candidacy for Assembly leadership. A former Senate speaker generally respected for his legal knowledge, Mr Meechai is seen by some as a "tank liberal" who has supported coups. "

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=113759