The meal was held in the absence of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently overseas.

After, Thai Rak Thai executives all gave differing versions of what was said.

The meeting was held at the office of Thai Rak Thai deputy leader and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

In attendance were fellow party deputy leader and Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan plus party deputy secretary-general and Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

The prime minister's secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej, also a deputy party secretary-general, was present along with executive member and PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee missed the meeting to give the weekly post-Cabinet news briefing.

However, he said Somkid had extended the luncheon invitation to party bigwigs to discuss election campaign strategies. Somkid is in charge of the party's campaign committee.

But, Sudarat described the get-together as non-political and said the agenda was dominated by free-trade agreements.

The party hierarchy meet came just hours after executive member and Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Sunthornvut said Thaksin had signalled he would make a decision soon on his political future.

Sudarat downplayed Somchai's comments and explained only a direct statement from Thaksin would clarify his political future.

"The prime minister has said this repeatedly," she said.

"The news media may have heard he's casually raised the matter on numerous occasions. But, nothing's set in stone. The last time I heard something, that was all I heard. Nothing was as clear-cut as Somchai has said," she asserted.

Sudarat said Thaksin believed Thai Rak Thai needed support to become an institution and when he was gone, a younger person would replace him. The party leader would support members to continue its work.

For his part Phumtham said the lunch meeting was simply a meal he enjoyed while chatting with colleague Suranand.

He heard no talk of Thaksin considering a political break or resignation.

The only reference to that had been in yesterday's newspapers, he said. He would raise the matter with Somchai who was quoted in those reports.

Surapong told the briefing Thaksin had yet to make it clear if he would accept the position of prime minister, should Thai Rak Thai win the next election.

Party secretary-general Suriya Jungrungreangkit explained earlier the executive wanted its party leader to be first candidate on the party-list.

But nothing was certain at this time and all comments were simply speculation, he said.

Surapong said possible successors to Thaksin named by Somchai this week - including deputy prime ministers Somkid, Chidchai Vanasatidya and Surakiart Sathirathai - were talented.

But many other senior party members were equally qualified, he said.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation