Despite the ban on political activities, preparations for the next election have begun. Veteran politicians have got the game going with moves to boost their parties. At present, parties are keen to show strength and to create an image that will attract former MPs as well as promote their leaders as contenders to be the next prime minister.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa seems to have made a good start in his bid to return to power. His party could end up being the most attractive for many former Thai Rak Thai MPs.

Chat Thai was the first party to welcome back former members. Sonthaya Khunplome, leader of the Chon Buri faction which defected to Thai Rak Thai with 11 former MPs, reapplied for Chat Thai membership last Sunday. And about 10 of Sonthaya's colleagues were expected to follow him.

More former Chat Thai members from other groups, such as Suchart Tancharoen's faction and Sora-at Klinpratoom's faction, are expected to do the same.

It's possible that Chat Thai may end up with around 100 former MPs, which could be sufficient to form a government.

The former prime minister Banharn has expressed confidence that he could lead his party to form a new government.

Unlike Thai Rak Thai or the Democrats, which face a stressful court case that could see either or both of them dissolved for alleged electoral violations in the April 2 poll and subsequent by-elections, Banharn has nothing to fear in terms of party dissolution. That will be an advantage for Banharn as politicians can be confident that if they join Chat Thai they should not have such problems.

Former New Aspiration Party leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, another former prime minister, has also showed an intention to return to politics.

Chavalit made a sensational return to the media limelight with his comments that left leaders of the interim government and the Council for National Security (CNS) wondering what was on his mind.

He called on the CNS to allow exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand and criticised them for for having appointed too many military generals to executive boards of major state enterprises.

Chavalit's move could be regarded as boosting his political status as the media and coup makers all turned their attention to him. If politicians believe that Chavalit has power they will join him. However, it's not yet clear if Chavalit will set up a new party or take over a party.

But the former premier must be thinking "if Banharn can come back, why not me?"

Another big political group led by Somsak Thepsuthin is quietly watching developments. After the September 19 coup Somsak seemed to gain advantage by leaving TRT with a large number of followers.

Although he has yet to decide on whether to set up a new party or take his entire group - expected to be about 150 former MPs - to join other parties, his next party could be one of the most attractive among those lining up. His members could represent a core group within the next government.

However, Somsak has made a couple of mistakes. First, he has let the public see he has some ties to the military junta. That might get some voters thinking he may become a tool of the military, to perpetuate their power in politics.

Second, his group is "headless" as former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who was tipped to lead Somsak's faction, has never showed commitment to stay with him.

Another possible candidate to be the next prime minister is Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Despite being regarded as a new hope for Thai politics, he has had trouble grabbing the public focus.

In fact, Abhisit personally has as many strong points as his rivals. He is young, has a good image of being honest - and being able to cope on the international stage (partly from being educated at Oxford). But he has yet to convert his good points into political gains at the ballot box.

Ironically, it is former party leader Chuan Leekpai who has really shined - due to his sharp comments about the current situation. Chuan took the coup leaders to task for not properly explaining to the public their reasons for staging the coup. His remarks appear to have struck a cord with the public.

Obviously, the former prime minister has a clear grasp of the political situation, and his vision about the future is clearer than his young protege. But if Abhisit remains "in limbo" for too long, he might face tough competition from heavyweights such as Somkid or Banharn.

Another possible option for the Democrats in the next poll may be to think about changing their leader again, if Abhisit is not seen as having "the right stuff".

Some political observers say the only way for the Democrats to defeat veterans like Banharn may be to drop Abhisit. Bringing back Chuan would be one immediate option.

Jintana Panyaarvudh

The Nation