Abhisit and Korn also have much to lose

The March 3 Bangkok election could prove to be a tipping point not just for the future of its candidate Sukhumbhand Paribatra, but also for the party, its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Korn Chatikavanij.

If the party loses, the three high-profile Democrats may have to take a break or play lesser roles.

Sukhumbhand has already said that if he loses, he will take a break from politics and raise his grandson, while Korn said last month that he would quit his deputy leader's post to take responsibility.

Meanwhile, more pressure will be mounted on Abhisit because under his leadership, the Democrat Party will have lost two elections - the general election two years ago and the race for Bangkok governor, a seat it has occupied for the past eight years.

Selecting Sukhumbhand as its candidate for a second time reflects the politics within the party, especially the rift between party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on and his predecessor Suthep Thaugsuban.

Chalermchai has not once been seen helping Sukhumbhand in his election campaign, and neither have the Bangkok and district councillors who support Korn.

Chalermchai nominated Korn, the party's deputy leader who is in charge of Bangkok, but Suthep stepped in and started lobbying executive members to choose Sukhumbhand, which resulted in a 9:6 vote. Chalermchai's position in the party might be challenged if Sukhumbhand wins.

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/02/26/abhisit-and-korn-also-have-much-to-lose/