The Buri Ram faction, led by Newin Chidchob, quit Chat Thai in 2005 to join the then wealthy Thai Rak Thai Party.

After the coup in September, several TRT factions and key figures jumped ship and Newin has kept a low profile.

When TRT was dissolved by the Constitution Tribunal last month, Newin was among 111 party executives stripped of electoral rights. But his Buri Ram group became active again.

A source in the Buri Ram faction said yesterday its members had discussed the political situation and agreed the junta wanted to remove key TRT figures, especially cronies of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra like Newin and Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

"We have to find a solution and a return to Chat Thai is among the options," the source said.

However, Newin claimed he was unaware of the latest move.

When Newin and his Buri Ram group cut their links with Banharn to move to TRT, the Chat Thai was so upset he announced a break-up with Newin.

Prasit Tangsrikiatkul, a member of the Buri Ram faction, said his group remained undecided about its political future. He said most faction members were still affiliated with TRT and even though TRT has been dissolved, members would not necessarily return to Chat Thai.

"I haven't heard about these rumours. We will discuss with Newin about what to do next," he said.

Chat Thai deputy Somsak Prisanananthakul said former TRT MPs had asked for a meeting with Banharn, but he did not know what would be discussed.

"Everyone must wait and see what the new constitution will look like before doing anything. This includes whether Thai Rak Thai can be registered as a political party again," Somsak said.

A Chat Thai source said Buri Ram faction members seemed concerned that the sour relationship between Banharn and Newin could hamper a possible return to Chat Thai.