Thailand's former ruling party ready to contest election

Thailand's former ruling party Pheu Thai is ready to run in the general election following the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Monday, party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan said. The party will hold a meeting to discuss specifics, according to Charupong, who is also interim interior minister. All the former coalition partners will continue to work with Pheu Thai, Charupong added. A general election is expected to be held within 60 days, or before Feb. 2, 2014, as stipulated by the constitution, Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham was quoted by local media as saying. Members of the Democrat Party who have resigned from the House could register again and run in the election, Sodsri said. The Democrat Party has not discussed whether to contest the coming election, former opposition chief whip Jurin Laksanawisit said. The government will continue to perform duties as a caretaker in accordance with the constitution, Charupong said.