Towards the end of the gathering, Vasana sang a few classic songs he said were his favourites.

He then excused himself. "I have done nothing wrong," was his underlying message. Even the Constitution Court, which nullified the April 2 snap election, did not cite any wrongdoing by the EC, he said.

The top judges had stood firm in calling all election commissioners to step down because they failed to act with impartiality during the organisation of the last election.

The April 2 election was nullified on the grounds the EC failed to hold it in a legally acceptable fashion.

Controversial arrangements included having voters turn their backs at polling booths, which made it easy for others to see how they had marked their ballots.

If the current EC was to hold another election, it was feared that it could cost the country another Bt2 billion, which was the bill for the last poll that was declared void by courts.

But Vasana insisted he would stay to take charge of the local elections, which will be held some time between now and August.

Vasana challenged the recommendation of the Supreme Court to quit.

How this delicate situation will unravel remains to be seen.

Vasana said he was 65 and knew his duties and responsibilities.

Asked why he did not go to the judges and seek their consultation, he said that judges are senior people and it is inappropriate for him to go to see them if they did not summon him.

"And what would happen if I went to see them and they did not want to see me? Well, you have to wait until Monday [today] or Tuesday. Tonight I am going to try to finish writing my memoir," he said.

Vasana is going to publish his book to tell his side of the story.

Without the resignation of the EC commissioners, Thai politics is again in deadlock.

Since the body lost credibility, it may be another waste of taxpayers' money to let them organise another election, feared observers.

Asked why he would not make a sacrifice and quit, Vasana replied that it is not a matter of making sacrifices. "I won't stay in office until I die in my chair. I have been in office for seven years, getting only salary without promotion. I have worked myself almost to death. Since I have been royally endorsed, I have to stay on to finish my job," he said.

"If I were to resign now, I could easily work for a friend and I would receive a salary twice what I am receiving now. I would also get a limousine with a driver."