PM vote set

Parliament will hold a crucial vote for a new prime minister on Monday, the speaker said, with the opposition Democrats now set to lead a coalition government as the latest wrinkle in the lengthy political crisis.

The frontrunner to be Thailand's third premier in four months is Abhisit Vejjajiva, head of the Democrats, who says that most of the minor partners in the former ruling coalition have now come over to his side.

Abhisit

The vote will technically elect a replacement for Somchai Wongsawat, who was barred from politics by the Constitution Court on Dec 2. Tnhe ruling alkso ordered the disbanding of the People Power Party, which now has morphed into the Puea Thai (For Thais).

House Seaker Chai Chidchob said on Thursday that His Majesty the King had approved a royal decree granting an extraordinary session of parliament, following a request by the opposition.

"The meeting of parliament is scheduled on Monday at 9:30am (0230 GMT). I am asking the officials to inform MPs through a circulation letter," Mr Chai said.

It follows fevered horsetrading for the loyalty of smaller parties and factions.

Analysts told AFP this suggests that the new government will do little to solve Thailand's long-term political troubles, which climaxed with the recent seizure by anti-government protesters of Bangkok's two airports.

The demonstrators from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) accused the PPP of being a corrupt front for exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a coup in 2006.

Four small coalition parties that were in government say they have abandoned Puea Thai and will back Mr Abhisit instead.

Puea Thai insists it can also muster enough MPs to seize power and form the government, amidst reports of desperate efforts by the former ruling group to persuade former allies to come over to its side.

Supporters of the government called the verdict that dissolved the PPP a "silent coup" by the judiciary and there are fears that they could take to the streets in a counter-campaign if Mr Abhisit wins on Monday.

The royal decree said the parliamentary session had been approved "because the house speaker said the prime ministership is vacant and one-third of the lawmakers have asked for the extra house session."

It added that under the current constitution, which was introduced by the military junta that ousted Thaksin, the new PM must be elected within 30 days. (AFP)