The local press would be allowed to witness the discussion at Ban Managkasila but not broadcast it live. It is designed to lay down the format for formal talks between the "warring parties".

Key issues for today's prepara-tions include the future of embat-tled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the possibility of postponing the April 2 election, PollWatch secretary general Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said.

"PollWatch expects that the preparations will lead to a televised debate on March 24," he said.

The PAD had assigned its mem-ber Suriyasai Katasila and the opposition alliance would send Democrat Party deputy leader Sathit Wongnongtoey to finalise today's preparations, he said.

The government did not direct-ly respond to the PollWatch invita-tion but had indicated via univer-sity rectors that Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat might attend, he said.

Preparations would proceed regardless of whether Pinij showed up, he said.

Thai Rak Thai executive Suranand Vejjajiva said the ruling party was willing to talk to relevant parties on the condition the negotiations be recorded but not televised.

He said the televised debate, as proposed by PollWatch, should only take place if relevant parties agree to participate in the vote, referring to the opposition's boycott of the April 2 election.