Thaksin tries to upstage PM on flood relief
**As Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday's morning travelled to Lop Buri to supervise relief operations for flood victims following a visit to Nakhon Rachasima, fugitive opponent Thaksin Shinawatra posted pre-dawn Twitter message boasting about his relief supplies. **
Abhist has been scheduled to visit Ban Mee and Muang districts in the central province, where heavy rains and overflowing reservoir triggered a worst inundation in recent memory.
Just hours before Abhisit’s trip,Thaksintweeted voicing concern about flash floods in 17 provinces, including wort-hit areas such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Lop Buri, Buri Ram, Tak and Surin.
He called on all sides to stop politicking in order to devote attention to assit flood victims.
He said he instructedThaicomfoundation, founded by him, to donate Bt5 million via the Thai Red Cross. He added that he and his family members provided additional funds to buy essential supplies for distribution to the victims.
FormerPrime Minister SomchaiWongsawat, his brother-in-law, will head the team ofPheu ThaiMPs to distribute relief supplies, he said.
He called on local governments to pay undivided attention to provide relief in flooded areas.
He also wished a safe trip for his daughter Paethongtarn Shinawatra who is scheduled to visit the victims in the Northeast.
Thaksin’s Twitter message was sent in the wake of Wednesday’s night phone-in at a dinner party held byPheu ThaiMP Chalerm Yoobamrung. Some 60 opposition lawmakers were present, including Somchai and his wife Yaowapha.
Chalerm billed his party as the inauguration of theThaksinclique within the main opposition party.
By forming the clique, Chalerm vowed to bring about Thaksin’s return to Thailand ifPheu Thaileads the next coalition.
“I am now setting upThaksinclique for you because I am your man and at the upcoming general election you have to step out to openly help campaigning hard for victory,” he said toThaksinduring the phone-in.
The Nation 21-10-2010