When the constituency-party list system was introduced a few years back, it all seemed rather uncomplicated and allowed for clear-cut choices as to which party members would be put on the fast-track to the most sought-after posts in government.

Constituency MPs were destined to attend to their constituents' needs and wants, as elevation to a ministerial post would mean having to resign from Parliament and a by-election called. So to avoid that kind of disruption, party members earmarked for higher office were put on the party-list system.

It all worked quite well, at least for the major parties. Then the foundations of the Thai Rak Thai Party started to shake from a series of events harking back to the initial public protests organised by Sondhi Limthongkul. Now it seems that with Thaksin Shinawatra's party looking less likely to achieve overwhelming dominance in the next election, whether it be October 15 or slightly later, the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring for spots on the party list is reaching frantic proportions.

In the 2005 election, Thai Rak Thai was expected to get the majority of the 100 party-list MPs as its popularity was still very high. Almost all of its member-candidates were happy to be on the party-list, even if they were placed near the bottom, as their chances of gracing the seats of the Sapa (Parliament) were strong. Even if they missed out, they could still hope to sneak in by the back door if a successful candidate higher up the list was given a ministerial post.

In point of fact, many Thai Rak Thai senior members were unconcerned about either system as they were earmarked for another "list" - one which guaranteed them a ministerial portfolio without having to stand for election.

But the political wind has now definitely changed as the once powerful feeling of political supremacy in the Thai Rak Thai Party is being sapped by the ongoing series of disasters in this year of incredible turmoil.

In the coming election, Thai Rak Thai is not so confident of snaring the same majority of the 100 party-list seats, yet many of its constituency candidates are scrambling to be put on the list, as the constituency battle, especially in Bangkok, is looking a little less certain for them.

And given the rise of factionalism within the party, some senior members want to opt out of the "ministerial list" and be put on the party-list as internecine squabbling - not to mention the appalling prospect of Thai Rak Thai being unable to form a government - could leave them in the political wilderness.

At Chat Thai, the situation is the opposite. Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa says he doesn't put much hope in the party-list.

However, Banharn is being forced to include himself on the party-list in order to leave the way open for other party members, including his children Kanchana and Warawut, to take all the constituencies in Chat Thai's base in Suphan Buri, where the seats have been reduced from six to five.

Some cynics, though, are suggesting an alternative motive. Banharn might be signalling that he is ready to be the next prime minister.

Banharn's present modesty on the subject is not without reason. After his shark-fin soup meals with Thaksin, few really know what Banharn is thinking, especially as the caretaker prime minister refuses to divulge his own position about remaining in office.

As for the Democrat Party, it's being forced to do its homework well. To promote its modern image, it has to put new candidates in its southern stronghold to ensure seats. At the same time, it has to push senior candidates onto the party-list even though they may not be confident of the party's chances. The Democrats had 26 party-list MPs in the 2005 election, so those senior figures desperately want to be among the first 25 names on the list.

With all the back-room wheeling and dealing going on, the parties will have to scrutinise their choices carefully in the three weeks left before party-list registration (September 5-7) closes.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation