Electoral officials indicated that a general election would likely be held in the second half of December, easing the military from its current position of power and returning political parties to the spotlight - though with reduced influence under what will be Thailand's 18th Constitution.

Despite the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai party - and a five-year, court-ordered ban on its 111 executive members from taking elective office - ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's loyalists continue to organise.

More than 440 former members of the disbanded party applied to become members of the little-known Palang Prachachon - People's Power - party, which is seen widely as a substitute for the defunct Thai Rak Thai. Of these, more than 200 are former Thai Rak Thai members of parliament.

'In the next two weeks, we will see new political parties registered, which is a good thing because this will offer people more choices,' Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said at a news conference. He is widely touted as a prospective prime minister.

The military has also made a move to enter politics by forming the Rak Chat - Love The Nation - party, which is led by retired officers.

It has publicly invited coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin to join after his retirement next month. However, Gen Sonthi has been vague about his plans.

ASSOCIATED PRESS