The Thai Rak Thai party reportedly is dominating most of the constituencies in the Central Plains Region, including those earlier ruled by Chart Thai.

At yesterday's general election, no less than 80% of the total 97 constituencies in this region is expected to be won by those running under Thai Rak Thai.

Constituencies believed won by TRT candidates include the outlying provinces in which they had earlier defeated their Democrat rivals, among others, such as those in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa held a press conference at party headquarters to concede defeat in what used to be his party's stronghold centred in his home province of Suphan Buri.

Though Chart Thai candidates are expected to retain their seats in Suphan Buri, those earlier considered ``satellite towns'' and dominated by Mr Banharn's camp are believed to have been won by TRT. Mr Banharn announced he intended to support Thaksin Shinawatra as premier again, and that his party was ready to serve in the opposition in parliament. He acknowledged Mr Thaksin was likely to lead a single-party government if Thai Rak Thai won a minimum of 350 MP seats.

The Chart Thai ``satellite towns'' covering constituencies in Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri and Ang Thong are believed to have been snapped up by TRT candidates. However, a few veteran Chart Thai MPs, including former deputy House speaker Somsak Prisananuntakul, are tipped to beat their TRT rivals.

It is speculated TRT candidates will also defeat their Democrat and Chart Thai rivals in the eastern region, thanks to the defection of a group of ex-Chart Thai MPs representing Chon Buri led by Tourism and Sports Minister Sonthaya Khunpluem.

TRT candidates are also expected to win in the nearby constituencies of Rayong, Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao and Sa Kaeo.

Meanwhile, a few veteran Democrats are expected to retain their MP seats in the west, including Phetchaburi, where Alongkorn Ponlabutr is believed to be ahead of his TRT challenger.