Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk, a member of the Thai Rak Thai's caretaker executive board, said that during a recent meeting, Chavalit told him and other executives he would return to the party after the coup-makers' allow political activities to recommence.

"General Chavalit said he would be pleased to become party leader if he was formally appointed in a party caucus. He wants to serve as the link between the party's seniors and the executive board," Ekkaporn said.

However, Ekkaporn declined to confirm or deny that Chavalit would be Thai Rak Thai's next leader, as has been speculated.

"Chaturon Chaisang is doing a good job as the caretaker party leader, and many colleagues in the party are glad to support him as the party leader. General Chavalit has no ambitions to become the party leader," he said.

Ekkaporn said he assumed that Chavalit ("Big Jiew") might want to become the party's chief adviser.

Chavalit, 75, a former premier and leader of the New Aspiration Party, joined Thai Rak Thai with MPs from his old party after the 2001 election. He served as deputy prime minister but later left the Thai Rak Thai.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on Chavalit to clear any suspicions surrounding his real decision on the matter. "He should make it clear whether he wants to succeed Thaksin. That would clear all suspicions."