They also dismissed speculation of a rift between party leader Thaksin Shinawatra and his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak, saying Somkid had not lost favour among them and would run as a party-list candidate.

"Thaksin will head the party list of 100 candidates, including Somkid, and may unveil the full list on September 4 or 5," a party insider said, referring to the proportional voting system.

The source said Somkid remained loyal to the party and would seek re-election.

"Even though Somkid had not made any public comments on his future, he confided with Thaksin that he was still committed to the party," he said.

Government politicians seeking re-election said they were not worried about the party's sagging popularity.

"When [former deputy prime minister] Purachai Piumsombun left the government, pundits said the ruling party was at its lowest ebb but it managed to win 377 House seats," a former MP said.

Contrary to reports of the party being demoralised, key factions were competing to win choice slots for their members to contest the upcoming polls, he said.

He claimed Thaksin might have to delegate supporters from his Chan Song La faction to a second party list in order to appease other factions.

The second list denotes those designated for government positions while the first list is for those filling House seats.

Another party insider said caretaker Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat vowed not to join the next government in order to make room for party financiers like Vachara Phanchet, to secure ministerial positions.

Ruling party spokesman Sita Divari said he and other former government MPs from Bangkok were not disheartened about contesting the new election as speculated by rivals.

"The ruling party may not be as popular as a year ago but it will still emerge the winner," Sita said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on Thaksin to reveal whether he would take the government's helm if elected.

"Voters have the right to know [Thaksin's future plans] before casting their ballots," he said.

Abhisit said his party would campaign on its people's agenda regardless of how Thaksin charts his course.