Matchima Group leader Somsak Thepsuthin yesterday urged Somkid Jatusripitak to make it clear whether he prefers to join a new political party in the making.

"It depends on Somkid whether he steps forward or not. However, I notice Somkid was unhappy with the announcement [to form the party]," Somsak said.

The veteran politician was speaking after the Ruam Jai Thai Group (Thai Unity) held a press conference on Tuesday to announce that it was ready to form a political party of the same name to contest the upcoming election.

"They [Ruam Jai Thai key members] have well-intentioned support for Somkid," said Somsak.

Many Ruam Jai Thai members are from the Thamma Thippatai Group, which is led by Somkid, who was deputy leader of the now disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.

Somsak yesterday declined to say whether the Matchima Group would join the Ruam Jai Thai or not.

Anek Laothammatas, co-founder of the Ruam Jai Thai, said the group was not concerned about reports it was involved in a dispute with the Matchima Group.

However, reports suggested that Matchima leader Somsak was also unhappy with the announcement.

Anek said his group did not see Matchima as a rival, adding that Ruam Jai Thai was seeking an alliance with Matchima.

"Don't forget that not every group can form a political party. Some group may think Matchima and Ruam Jai Thai are in conflict, but nothing happened. We have talked together and understand the situation," he said.

When asked about political scientist Chai-anan Samudavanija's denial that he had joined Ruam Jai Thai, Anek said his group was talking to Chai-anan about him joining.

"Anyone can join any group. However, we believe our group can come to an understanding with Chai-anan," Anek said.

Ruam Jai Thai made an official statement explaining the group's launch. Its founders have set up a committee chaired by Pradit Pattaraprasit to prepare for the formation of a political party.

Pradit said the group received a good response following its announcement. "We must continue our plan to form a party in order to provide an alternative for voters," he said.