Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan said if the courts nullify the April 2 election and announce a fresh poll, Thaksin should quit his break from politics. On April 4, Thaksin went on air to say he would decline another term as prime minister, but would stay on in name only until the House convenes and chooses his replacement.

Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said the changing circumstances opened the way for Thaksin to throw his weight around again.

Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a Thammasat University lecturer, said Thaksin should not try to take advantage of the current political situation.

Thaksin's arrival now on the political scene would throw the country into another crisis, but he might emerge again if politics has been reformed, he said.

A Thai Rak Thai source insisted Thaksin was needed back for because the party had to campaign with him as prime minister. "Only Thaksin can help Thai Rak Thai win the election," the source said.

Suriyasai Katasila, a spokesman for the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the conditions under which Thaksin had made his announcement had changed. The caretaker prime minister could come back.

However, it wouldn't be beautiful if he comes back before the completion of political reform, Suriyasai said. If he came back at this time, the PAD wouldn't be able to accept it and would demonstrate to get rid of him.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn,

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation