Last week he failed to win a nomination as an election commissioner during Senate voting.

The ruling Thai Rak Thai Party, however, had reservations about the outspoken former senator serving on the election agency.

Spokesman Sita Divari said yesterday that although Kaewsan was viewed as a political neutral, his recent campaign against the Thaksin regime put his credibility in doubt.

"If he is allowed to work at the Election Commission, he could face suspicion. Kaewsan should stop his bid for a role at the EC and allow a genuinely neutral person to take up the job," he said.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila and Democrat deputy spokesman Sathit Pitutecha agreed Kaewsan's experience of "political tricks" would be a valuable asset.

Outgoing Senator Winyu Urankul said Kaewsan was a suitable choice for the EC job because he had served as a Constitution drafter and understood the EC's structure.

Kaewsan on Saturday repeated his desire to serve on the EC. He first suggested interest when he outlined his plan for the EC before a Senate subcommittee vetting 10 short-listed nominees for commissioners.