The Pheu Thai Party refuses to discuss the issue of lifting the ban on political activities with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
"It's the Election Commission's duty to discuss [this matter] with parties. Moreover, there no need to discuss it with the NCPO as it has the full power to lift its orders right away," Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said.
Pheu Thai key member Chaturon Chaisang said the main organising body for the elections is the EC. The NCPO should give it all the freedom and independence it needs, he said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said late last month the NCPO was preparing to invite parties to discuss lifting the political activity ban.
Meanwhile, a source from Government House said the ban could be lifted on Nov 26, if the elections are set for Feb 24 next year. MP candidates must be members of their parties at least 90 days before the poll.
Democrat Party deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon on Sunday said he agreed the ban should be lifted soon.
"Once the NCPO lifts the ban, the atmosphere of Thai politics will be clearer and the people's confidence will increase," he said.
The Pheu Thai Party on Sunday held a ceremony for the party's third branch office and recruited more members. The office in Samut Prakan covers the central provinces. Mr Phumtham said the party had yet to open another branch office on the South.
A source from the Palang Pracharath Party, who asked not to be named, said the party would hold an event to introduce its "Panya Pracharath" political training course this evening and on Thursday will introduce its PR team.
Suthep Thaugsuban, co-founder of the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (ACT), on Sunday led a campaign to recruit members in Sa Kaeo province's Aranyaprathet district, a stronghold of veteran politician Sanoh Thienthong who is a Pheu Thai key member.