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"I will not become the next prime minister unless I can implement 'People First' agendas," he said to a cheering crowd of supporters on a second day of campaign rally.

Some 1,500 Democrats from the Northeast turned up to attend the rally preceding a party's meeting, dubbed the People's Assembly, to map out key policies geared for the region.

Abhisit said the December 23 election would be crucial to set the country back on the course of democratic rule.

"In the upcoming vote, the Democrat Party sees a golden opportunity to steering forward the country and its economy as well as seeking the people's mandate for the party's platforms," he said.

He pledged that his party will implement its campaign promises and that it seeks to serve the public instead of grabbing power.

"I am now 43 years old, hence I am bound to be responsible for my commitments made to gain the public trust," he said.

He said he and his party had to earn each vote the hard way unlike "someone who can buy his way into power", alluding former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He voiced optimism that his party would see a successful electoral outcome in the Northeast, seen as the power base of Thaksin's supporters.

Party's Northeast campaign manager Kraisak Choonhavan said his party might opt to contest part of the 135 House seats from the Northeastern constituencies in order to better focus on candidates with a best potential for winning.

In countering the Democrats, People Power Party member Chaturon Chaisang said his party would likely win about 260 to 270 House seats to wrestle the chance to lead the next government.

Chaturon claimed that the alliance of Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon parties would trail behind his party.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said he was assessing the public sentiment before finalising his campaigning plans.

"If the people call for my reelection bid, I might run under the banner of a small party," he said, revealing that he is negotiating with many parties.

He said he would choose a party willing to adopt his policies if he decides to come out of his retirement. His other option was to form a new party, he added.

Two executives of Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana Party said their party's negotiations with Chavalit reached a deadlock.

"If Chavalit will lead a new party, that is good for him because my party can move on without him," party executive Pradit Pataraprasith said.

Another executive Anek Laothamatas said negotiations collapsed because Chavalit appeared unable to make up his mind about his terms for joining the party.