King-maker Newin vows to support Anutin as next PM

Newin Chidchob, a veteran politician and the unofficial patriarch of BhumjaithaiParty, pledged Tuesday to help Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakulto become prime minister after the next general elections.
Newinused his birthday celebrations in the northeastern province of Buriramto make known Bhumjaithai’sambition to be a key player in Thailand’s future politics.
In a remark to key Bhumjaithai’smembers and well-wishers, he said the party would win no fewer than 120 seats in the next general elections, putting it in a position to call the shots in forming the next government.
“As the khru yai(principal) of Bhumjaithai, I will do my best to help Anutinbecome the next prime minister,” Newindeclared. “And if I fail, I will no longer play the role of khru yai.”
Newinis often referred to as khru yaifor his influence in Bhumjaithaithough he has no formal title in the party. Bhumjaithaiis the second largest party in the ruling coalition and is expected to nominate Anutinas a candidate for prime minister in the next elections.
The prospects of Bhumjaithaibecoming a key player in elections has drawn a large numbers of politiciansdefecting from rival parties.
Newin, 64, has been keeping a low political profile and has devoted most of his time to sport activities in Buriramwhere he runs the BuriramUnited, a top-level football club.