Speaking after returning from the United States, Banharn said although many people had called on Thaksin to take a political break by not seeking another term, he would not join in their demand.

"I cannot say anything," he said, adding: "It is up to him to decide.''

Banharn earlier wanted the three election commissioners to step down before he could bring about a reconciliation. Although political tension has subsided following the jailing of the three, Banharn said he would hold a dinner discussion with Thaksin but not mention politics. "It is just to dine together. I will not discuss politics. We will just exchange opinions,'' he said.

Banharn said he would like to suggest Thaksin speaks with greater caution as his statements often fuel conflict. "I'll ask him to be patient and not to launch a war of words. His words have created problems,'' he said.

Banharn said he was not sure polls would be held on October 15 as the Election Commission still had to be nominated in time. Banharn has called a meeting of his party's executive board to prepare candidates for both the party list system and the constituencies.

He said although his party would field 100 party list candidates, it would not contest all 400 constituencies. However it would not have fewer candidates than in the last election.

Banharn said he supported Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart's proposal to have provincial courts working in tandem with provincial election commissions to prevent electoral fraud.