Niphon is a rare Democrat MP from the northeast, an area the party must shore up.

CNN: ALL STANDING IN A LINE

Then Niphon Promphan, the most popular man in the party aside from Chuan, withdrew amid cries of dismay.

CNN: ALL STANDING IN A LINE

So it needs Niphon, and he knows it, smart cookie that he is.

CNN: ALL STANDING IN A LINE

In an open vote, Niphon (who runs Chuan's office) could have taken the first deputy spot, but he, too, has bolder goals - namely replacing secretary-general Sanan Kachornprasart (the official No. 2 in the party).

CNN: ALL STANDING IN A LINE