"The government's invitation for 44 political parties to discuss the draft might lead to nothing, but three former opposition parties will try to gain some benefit from this opportunity," Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said yesterday.

Ong-art said the former opposition alliance, which includes the Chat Thai and Mahachon parties, would present a joint stand on the draft.

The three parties want Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to be aware of which draft provisions they find agreeable or disagreeable, he said.

Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa said his party would suggest that senatorial candidates to be screened by a selection committee before voters cast ballots for those nominated.

The party's suggestion is seen as a compromise alternative to the draft charter's provision for an appointed Senate.

Banharn said he also wanted the system of single-seat constituencies to continue, though he would not force this preference on other parties.

Commenting on the involvement of the judiciary in the appointment of office holders for independent organisations, he said the judiciary should be limited to screening candidates for five key agencies - the Constitution Court, the Supreme Administrative Court, the National Counter Corruption Commission, the Election Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General.

Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said his former ruling party would definitely attend the meeting with Surayud, although it has yet to decide whether it will be represented by acting leader Chaturon Chaisang or his deputy, Pongthep Thepkanchana.

The party plans to raise six issues in the draft charter that it considers need revising, he said.

"I think Tuesday's meeting is a public relations ploy to put the government in a good light for involving political parties in the drafting process," he said, arguing that little could be accomplished in the one hour allotted to parties to submit their ideas.