The government spokesman claimed precedents showed that appointments similar to the proposed military reshuffle could be forwarded for royal approval without the EC's involvement.

He was referring to the recent appointment of judges, including the position of Supreme Court president.

"Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will have the final say on either to seek legal advice or to send the proposed list directly to the royal palace," he said, adding that Thaksin would finalise his decision next Friday after returning from his overseas trip.

The Defence Ministry earlier insisted that the military reshuffle did not require a Cabinet review, hence exempting it from the EC's scrutiny during the lead-up to a new election.

But critics have said the relevant charter provisions were clear: all senior positions must be vetted by the EC.

The proposed military line-up has been marred by criticism about political meddling and a virtual battle for control by groups that support or oppose the prime minister.

On Monday, caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura and his deputy permanent secretary Admiral Bannawit Kengrien engaged in a war of words.

Bannawit claimed that his boss had bowed down to political pressure to spread cronyism to the armed forces. Thamarak, in his retort, reminded Bannawit about punishment for breaking ranks.

Top military leaders refused to comment yesterday on the bickering and expressed hope that the incident would pass without further animosity.

General Sirichai Thanyasiri, permanent secretary for Defence Ministry, called for a halt to speculation surrounding the proposed rotations.

Unsigned leaflets were circulated in the Defence Ministry attacking senior officers, including Bannawit, for demanding the EC check on this year's reshuffle.