After a meeting with the members of the Chat Thai and Mahachon parties, Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanawisit said the parties would compete in the next election if reforms were carried out and Thaksin resigned.

However, Jurin said Thaksin's announcement that he would not take up a third term was merely a way of taking a break while still holding the reigns of power.

Thai Rak Thai will still form the new government as a result of Sunday's election and Thaksin will remain in control, he said.

A similar administration to the last might block the democratic reforms the opposition is demanding, Jurin said.

He said under the law a caretaker prime minister could resign and appoint a replacement. If the prime minister and the Cabinet resign, it would make way for a royally appointed premier under Section 7 of the Constitution, he said.

Democrat executive member Sathit Wongnongtoey said questions about Thaksin's sale of Shin Corp shares remain unanswered.

Chat Thai deputy leader Somsak Prisananantakul added that the problems would return if Thaksin did not leave his position and the opposition would continue to push for political reform implemented by neutral parties.

Former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai asked if government interference in independent bodies like the Election Commission would persist after Thaksin's resignation.

The former prime minister said political tension might have been reduced but people would know Thaksin had used the timing of the 60th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne as an excuse when he said he was stepping down.

Thai Rak Thai legal adviser Wichit Plangsrisakul said Chuan's comment was harmful for democracy and would cause more rifts and confusion in society.

Thaksin's decided to take a break to reconcile the people, resolve conflicts and make the country peaceful and ready to celebrate the anniversary of HM the King's accession, he said.