Two major political activities are taking place in Bangkok as the Chartthaipattana Party selects a new party leader while three Democrat bigwigs battle each other in a debate in the lead-up to the party's leadership contest.
Kanchana Silpa-archa, a Chartthaipattana Party veteran politician in Suphan Buri, is expected to take the party's helm while another old timer politician Prapat Photasuthon is slated to become the party's secretary-general.
Ms Kanchana, daughter of late prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, served as deputy education minister from 1999 to 2001 under the Chuan Leekpai government.
The party is also scheduled to appoint a 11-member central committee to screen and select potential candidates for the general election.
The committee will consist of four party executives who will also be chosen at Friday's general meeting, while the remaining seven seats will be filled by party members. One potential member is Nikorn Chamnong, who currently serves as the party's director.
Varawut Silpa-archa, Ms Kanchana's brother and a core party member who was earlier tipped to head the party, is speculated to lead the party's strategic committee. He is expected to be joined by young politicians Paradorn Prissananantakul, Koravee Prissananantakul, Samerkan Thiangtham, and Siripong Angkhasakulkiat.
Meanwhile, three candidates vying for the Democrat Party's top post will take part in a debate scheduled for 4pm to 5.30pm at the party's head office.
Jermmas Juenglertsiri, a Democrat member who is serving as an election official for the party leadership contest, said the candidates will be asked nine questions -- three from media representatives, three from debate participants, while the other three are member submissions from the party's website.
Incumbent party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, former party deputy leader Alongkorn Ponlaboot and former Democrat Phitsanulok MP Warong Dechgitvigrom will answer these questions within a set period of time.
Mr Abhisit said the debate will be constructive as the winning candidate will use inputs from the event to prepare for the general election.
He said he will pursue the policies that were left unfinished when he was the prime minister if he wins the race.
Dr Warong said he will let the party members have their say in the selection process, while Mr Alongkorn said the party under his leadership will not support an outsider prime minister.
