The allegations concern the transfer in 1997 of shares worth Bt738 million by Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra to Bhanapot, her brother.

The committee is also expected to press the Revenue Department to seek a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Bt200,000 over the alleged tax evasion.

Party hacks get talking

Politicians are getting back to business now that the National Legislative Assembly has annulled an order by the coup-makers banning political gatherings of five people or more.

Members of the Wang Nam Yom faction will meet today to discuss forming a new political party. Former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who was a key figure in the Thai Rak Thai Party, is expected to attend the meeting. Faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin wants Somkid to lead the new party.

On Wednesday, Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa will hold a press conference at which he is expected to discuss who will be the party's next secretary-general.

Sonthaya Khunplome, who rejoined the party yesterday along with his Chon Buri faction, is likely to get the post.

NLA picks committees

The process of appointing members of the National Legislative Assembly to its 30 standing committees starts today and runs until Thursday.

Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan last week appointed members to the panel that will select the committee members. Critics said a vote

should have been held to select the panel's members.

The 30 committees oversee the work of ministries and examine meeting reports. Among other issues they will monitor consumer protection, graft suppression, people's participation, examination of independent organisations, state-enterprise privatisation, women, youth and elderly affairs, religion and culture, drug suppression and the budget.