However, two party-list members - Sarit Santimetaneedol and Likhit Dhiravegin - submitted letters of resignation prior to yesterday's party meeting. They did not give any reason for quitting.

After the meeting, deputy spokesman Sutin Klungsang said most members were concerned because the political situation was unclear. For while the Election Commission on Monday listed October 22 as the date for a new poll, party members were concerned about the economic situation, he said.

"Some are concerned the political crisis will occur again if the political situation remains unclear," he said.

When asked about the chance of Thai Rak Thai members leaving to join another party, because they may no longer be bound by the "90-day rule", Sutin said all faction members had been asked about this and insisted they would not quit.

"But we found some members from other political parties willing to join our party instead."

"However, the party will monitor members' reactions again at a party seminar from June 2-4, when we will set policies to campaign for the fresh election," he said.

Thaksin compared his party members to football players. "When the season is over players can find a new club to play for - to try to get into a strong team," he said during the meeting.

Sutin said: "Our leader told members that if they want to move they can, and he said good luck to them."

Pimuk Simaroj, another deputy spokesman, said Thaksin wanted party members to work with the people and asked them to go to their constituencies to listen to people's problems, in order to set new policies for the next ballot.

"Because the political situation is unclear, he [Thaksin] told members not to debate, but to work for the people," Pimuk said.

"Yet, Thaksin was asked about his viewpoint because most members want him to be the premier. But Thaksin didn't reply [about that]. He just said he would get Thai Rak Thai party to continue to work."

Wang Nam Yen faction member Chalong Riewrang, a former Nonthaburi MP, said he would not to leave the party. But he admitted some former Nonthaburi MPs might join another party. The main reason was the party's popularity has been dropping, he

said.

Wang Nam Yom's Theerachai Saenkaew said over 100 members of his faction insisted they would not leave the party. He said while it now appeared to be open for members to switch parties, this would not affect Wang Nam Yom members.

And he said members from another party would apply to become Thai Rak Thai members.

And despite Thaksin refusing to talk about his future, most members wanted him to be prime minister again, he

said.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation