Several sources in the Pheu Thai Party says attempts are afoot to recruit its members to a new political party backed by members of the armed forces.
Siriwat Jupamattha, a coordinator of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and a Pheu Thai member in the northern province of Phayao, said on Sunday that a former soldier in the North had contacted local politicians and was trying to recruit members in many areas of Phayao.
"Positions are available for constituency-based campaign directors, coordinators at village, district and provincial levels and MP candidates for the next general election," he said.
Some former Pheu Thai MPs had started to air opinions that clashed with the Pheu Thai Party's standpoint, added Mr Siriwat, and should resign from the party immediately.
Another Pheu Thai source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said on Sunday that soldiers were approaching key politicians in all regions, and the targets included Pheu Thai politicians.
"Invitations have been made to key figures in Chon Buri, Buri Ram, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri and Phetchaburi provinces... but I do not know if any have been accepted," the source said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met recently with the Sasomsap family, the source said. The Pheu Thai-affiliated clan has a political stronghold in Nakhon Pathom province.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut said that people need not worry about him becoming the next prime minister because another outside candidate could be selected.
Anuthin Chanweerakul, leader of the Bhumijaithai Party, said he expected the next election would be held within 18 months at the latest. After four years out of national administration, he said, all political parties would be in a similarly weak position before the polls.