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Matchima - headed by Somsak Thepsuthin - quit the Thai Rak Thai after the coup. It claimed to have more than 100 members, most former members of Parliament from the North and Northeast.

The Thai Rak Thai earlier announced it was taking its membership and aligning itself with the People Power Party. Thirteen Matchima members decided to join it.

Most were former members of Parliament representing the North and Northeast. They said it was "necessary".

Meanwhile, the Saman Chan group, a Thai Rak Thai break¬away, plans to join and appoint Suwit Khunkitti the leader of the Social Action Party, a source said yesterday.

The group believed it would not be able to form a new party in time for the election, the source said. It hopes to win about 50 seats.

A group source denied the leadership announcement and said it was an attempt to create confusion among Saman Chan, which was unhappy because some of its number was yet to resign from the Thai Rak Thai.

Former Supreme Commander Ruengroj Mahasaranond has joined People Power, party adviser Karn Thiankaew said yesterday.

Its executive board approved Ruengroj's application. Karn said former Thai Rak Thai members of Parliament invited him to join.

Ruengroj was among the September coup leaders.

Karn said members asked Ruengroj to bury the past and join the party to help solve the country's problems.

Former defence minister Chettha Thanajaro yesterday jointed the Pracharaj Party.

The Nation