The commission has created a task force with its secretary-general, Ekachai Warunprapa, as chairman. But it is already facing a barrage of criticism about its real intentions and the efficacy of such a move, which would cost Bt45 million.

The re-engineering idea emerged after top judges from the Supreme, Administrative, and Constitution courts agreed that they should take charge of the upcoming election instead of the EC.

Since calling the April 2 snap election, which was later annulled, the commission has been the target of numerous lawsuits, many of them based on the claim that it had shown favouritism to the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party. More recently, the EC failed in an attempt to persuade the Supreme Court to work with it in a joint meeting with representatives from political parties.

Now, the EC says re-engineering is needed to make the organisation less bureaucratic and more participatory, enabling it to respond more effectively to "current political reality".

Critics have lambasted the plan, saying it would not make any difference or solve any problems because of the public's lack of trust in the commissioners and the commission. The proposed re-engineering, they said, would only allow some people to reap benefits from the new budget allocated for the purpose.

Some details of the proposed new structure are already emerging. These include the creation of a "coordinating and justice rendering committee" made up of three publicly-respected citizens or appointees from the Supreme Court.

The proposed committee would offer opinions about the EC's rules, regulations and announcements and would also attend all meetings of the commissioners with freedom to express opinions.

Each of the three committee members would receive "compensation" of Bt30,000 to Bt40,000 per month.

It was also proposed that new directors "for various affairs" be appointed at the mid-level of the organisation to allow for closer supervision of all sections.

The number of election commissioners in each province would also be increased from five to seven by bringing in provincial judges, members of the mass media and representatives of non-government organisations.

Former election commissioner Gothom Ariya expressed concern over the plan, saying the proposed re-engineering stemmed from a lack of trust in the EC, and he was doubtful the commission would receive co-operation from other sectors.