The judge, who asked not to be named, said the tribunal would meet tomorrow to endorse its draft working regulations. It would then review the case against the Thai Rak Thai, Democrat and three small parties. "If the review begins in November, a ruling should come in January," he said.

The judge said the case had significance for the political system so the tribunal would give it priority after endorsement of its working rules.

The Thai Rak Thai Party is accused of bankrolling small parties to contest the April 2 election while the Democrats are accused of hiring small parties to frame Thai Rak Thai. If convicted, all the parties will face dissolution.

The judge said the tribunal might take up the case against all five parties together because the allegations were related.

He said if more information was required from ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra regarding his role as Thai Rak Thai leader when the alleged crime took place, the tribunal might summon him to testify in person or via teleconference, or ask him for a written statement.

The judge said he believed the information provided by the three small parties was complete and the tribunal did not need them to testify further.