But, unlike previous years, this year's event was held without the presence of former party leader Thaksin Shinawatra, his wife and their children.

Phra Khru Atthamedhi, assistant abbot from Wat Sa Ket, gave sermons to more than 100 ex-MPs and party executives taking part in the event.

The monk told them that he "also loves the Thai Rak Thai Party," so do many people in the provinces.

"In the provinces, people want the former prime minister [Thaksin] to return to work. They still love Thai Rak Thai and remain part of your fan club," said the monk.

He also said that during his meeting with Buddhist Thais in Europe, they had told him that they wanted Thaksin back "to take care of the country because Thailand is having problems".

The monk's words of encouragement drew a loud applause from party members.

Thaksin quit as party leader after his government was overthrown in the September military coup. He was accused of condoning largescale corruption and weakening the checksandbalances system by interfering with independent organisations.

The exPM has been in exile overseas since losing power. Thaksin reportedly is now in Singapore and his wife Pojaman, who is a major financier of the party, is in London.

Thai Rak Thai's caretaker party leader, Chaturon Chaisang, chaired yesterday's meritmaking ceremony at party headquarters.

Yesterday's event saw the largest gathering of former Thai Rak Thai MPs since the party was hit by a political storm resulting from the coup. Chaturon said the number of those in attendance surpassed what he had expected.

He said yesterday's meritmaking ceremony was not politically motivated, although it is "not unusual" for participants to talk about politics.

Other key party figures attending the event included Pongthep Thepkanchana, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Sutham Sangprathum, Veera Musigapong, Adisorn Piengket, and Chamlong Krutkhuntod.

Kesinee Jaikawang

The Nation