Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the two would be party-list candidates.

Abhisit said former ambassador to the US Kasit Piromya would be an asset to the party in the area of foreign, economic and social affairs.

Former deputy permanent secretary of the University Affairs Ministry Kanok Wongtrangan would help promote the party's People's Agenda and its education, agriculture and commercial policies, Abhisit said. Kanok had experience in the private sector and state enterprises, he said.

Four MPs have quit the party. They were Marut Bunnag, Savit Bhotiwihok, Photipong Lamsam and Samphan Thongsamak.

Abhisit said their departure would not harm the party and said the four would continue to work with the organisation.