"I met Pinij and he informed me of his firm commitment to politics ... I also received a confirmation that Somkid would stay with the ruling party and run for a House seat as a party-list MP," Surapong said.

Pinij and Somkid wanted to make way for younger politicians to run the country after completing their terms as public health minister and deputy prime minister, respectively, he said. The two would give themselves back-seat roles in pushing for policy implementation, he said.

The spokesman dismissed speculation that caretaker Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and caretaker PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva were contemplating retirement. Phumtham would continue to work as a party executive and Suranand was mapping out campaign strategies for the poll, he said.

Surapong said his Thai Rak Thai Party had drawn up its list of candidates for the 100 party-list seats and was working on lists for senior administrative positions and party affairs.

Pinij yesterday apologised for his confusing remarks on Wednesday that suggested Somkid's departure from politics.

"I am really sorry for my mistake and I should not have said anything about Somkid," he said.

He said that contrary to reports in the press, Somkid had not confided plans for leaving the government to him. "I said I'd only heard speculation about Somkid and I was wrong in making misleading comments," he said. He said he would work for the party without accepting a ministerial position.

Caretaker Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan dismissed speculation that many key ministers were poised to abandon the ruling party. "I am aware of attempts to undermine the party," she said.

Meanwhile, a party official said former government MPs from Bangkok wanted deputy party leader Pongthep Thepkanchana to lead the next government if Thaksin opted for a political break.