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Chuan was speaking Saturday as conjecture grew over Sonthi's remark that he had not ruled out a future in politics. The speculation took on new life after Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa offered Sonthi his job on Friday.

Sonthi is chairman of the Council for National Security, which overthrew the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup last September.

Chuan was unsure if Banharn was joking, but called on everyone to wait until Sonthi made up his mind. It is a personal decision, he added.

The veteran politician dismissed allegations his party would benefit from the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party by a Constitution Tribunal ruling.

Chuan said winning the election would not be easy as new parties and politicians would contest the race. His concern was to ensure free and fair elections.

He said he wanted to see new faces in politics. "I wish to see people who truly love politics, with no expectation of personal benefit, come and help in the political arena.

"However, if people enter politics in order to seek personal gain, for business purposes or to protect their interests - along with some who look down on politics - these people should not run," Chuan said.

In a related development, a key member of the newly formed Ruam Jai Thai political group denied stories of internal discord and the resignation of Somkid Jatusripitak over election strategy.

Pradit Pattaraprasit, a leading member, said the news was spread by people seeking to sabotage Ruam Jai Thai.

He added that Somkid, a former deputy prime minister in the Thaksin administration, did not attend the group's events because he has been barred from politics for five years by the tribunal ruling.

Pradit insisted that Somkid was helping draft a manifesto for Ruam Jai Thai for when it registers as a political party. The party in the making will announce its parliamentary candidates for Bangkok Sunday.

The Nation