Thai deputy PM (Thaugsuban)to resign to compete in by-election

BANGKOK, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) — The executive committee of the ruling Democrat Party made a resolution on Tuesday to field deputy prime minister and party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban in the by-election in Constituency 1 of southern Surat Thani province.

Suthep will clear up his work as deputy prime minister for security affairs before registering his candidacy on Oct. 8, party spokesman Buranat Samutarak announced.

Democrat Party’s spokesman said the executive committee made the conclusion based on the recommendation of Surat Thani branch.

Following Suthep’s resignation, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will take over the responsibility for security affairs.

The Oct 30 by-election in southern Surat Thani is to find a replacement for a Democrat MP Chumpol Kanchana who lost his seat after being found guilty by the Constitution Court of making false assets declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.