Thai candidate Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai has decided to end his 2-year campaign for UNSG.

The announcement was made by Thailand’s new interim prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, after meeting with Surakiart.

“He said he would not continue to be in the race,” Surayud told reporters after a brief meeting with Surakiart Sathirathai, a deputy prime minister in the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a September 19 military coup.

Surakiart announced his candidacy in 2004, and was the only candidate to secure the backing of a intergovernmental group until the last weeks of the campaign when Jordan’s Prince Zeid was backed by the Arab League. Despite this, his campaign never attracted the necessary support outside the region. His campaign was frequently dismissed by media, non-governmental groups, and close observers of the race.  

Last month’s coup in Thailand further weakened the campaign, despite the interim military government continuing to back him. But it was the results of the latest straw poll that prompted Surakiart’s decision to withdraw.

‘We have to accept the defeat,’ Surayud told reporters.

Rumors that he would be appointed to the interim Cabinet are currently being denied by Prime Minister Surayud.

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