January 20, 2008	Sunday	Muharram 10, 1429

BANGKOK: The People Power Party, which supports deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, unveiled a coalition government on Saturday, capping a dramatic political turnaround 16 months after his ouster.

The announcement of the six-party coalition ended four weeks of suspense following last month’s general elections, which had left the PPP just shy of a majority in parliament.

“It took a long time to get here,” party leader Samak Sundaravej told a press conference. “I am really relieved that now there’s nothing more to worry about.” Under the coalition the PPP-led government would control about two thirds of the 480 seats in parliament, he said.

“This will ensure that the government can last a long time,” he said.

Samak, 72, refused to say if he would become the next prime minister, although he now appears to be a top contender.

Parliament will open on Monday and could choose a new prime minister within a week, he said. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej then must give his official approval.—AFP