"I believe he will be an MP candidate, but he will play other roles," Prommin said. "The party will have to discuss it. It is too soon to make the decision now and I cannot answer on behalf of the prime minister."

The Thai Rak Thai Party met yesterday to analyse the political situation and came to the conclusion that the  Election Commission will resign soon, following the  suggestion of the Administrative, Supreme and Constitution courts, a source in the party said.

The party also calculated the new general election would be held within 120 to 150 days because the process of selecting a new election commission will take about 60 days.

Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra told the party meeting that if Thai Rak Thai won the next election, Thaksin would not accept the post of prime minister.

She said party leaders should share the costs of the election campaign because in the April 2 election, "other party leaders" did not share the costs. In the new election they should help by meeting half the expense.

Party leaders have yet to agree to Pojaman's proposal, the source said.

Thaksin said he would "take care of the party members". Whoever wanted to defect could do so, but he wanted them to remain political allies and not enemies, the source said.

Wang Nam Yom faction member Sophon Phetsawang told reporters his faction, which has 120 members, is not planning to defect. He urged Thaksin to call a meeting to decide on his political future.

"He has to make clear whether he will fight as the party leader or he will take a political break," he said.

Sophon said he believes Thaksin will take a break and his decision will not affect the party's popularity because voters choose Thai Rak Thai because of its populist policies.

However, Sophon urged Thaksin to decide who will re-place him if he decides to take a break.

Piyanart Srivalo

Kesinee Jaikawang

The Nation