While Thaksin Shinawatra supporters say he should be able to seek prime ministerial office if another election is held, critics warn his return as government leader would renew the crisis and could cause bloodshed.

Caretaker Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya and Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana yesterday said Thaksin could return as party leader if the April 2 election was cancelled and a new one held.

Thaksin announced his political break by not taking the post of prime minister after the election.

But after the Administrative and Constitution courts indicated the election might be cancelled in line with

His Majesty the King's message, several Thai Rak Thai members said Thaksin's promise would not apply to another election.

A university lecturer and a non-

governmental organisation representative said Thaksin should stay out of politics.

Chaiyaphan Praphasawat, the director of the Institute for Community Rights, said people would oppose Thaksin's return to power.

"The conflicts will be more severe and there could be bloodshed," Chaiyaphan said.

He said Thai Rak Thai wanted Thaksin's return as an electoral selling point but the Election Commission should take action by deciding whether he had handed out cash before the election.

Dr Thanet Charoenmuang, head of politics at Chiang Mai University, said it would be too soon if Thaksin contested the next election as party leader.

Thanet said the situation had eased after Thaksin took his political break.

"If he makes a comeback, the people may not allow it and there could be even larger protests," Thanet said.

He said Thaksin was the source of all the trouble and his return now could only worsen the situation.

"It would be inappropriate for him to return now. He should wait for political reform to be carried out," Thanet said.

However, Kongsak said no one enforced the political pause on Thaksin.

"Thaksin decided himself to take a break although he has done nothing wrong. He made a sacrifice because he wanted to see unity ... so he has the right to return," Kongsak said.

Chidchai said Thaksin had the right under the Constitution to contest the next election.

"It's not right for someone to call for the rights of others to be lifted," Chidchai said.

"Everybody has equal rights under the Constitution and his decision not to take the position of prime minister is now in the past. The cards have been shuffled [if the courts cancel the election].

"A court order would mean everything will start from the beginning."