Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew on Sunday dismissed speculation that the party's chief goal, should it secure a landslide win in the next election, is to bring deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand.
Dr Cholnan said the return of Thaksin, who is widely seen as the de-facto leader of Pheu Thai, was not in the party's plans and the issue was beyond its control, even if it were to form a majority government.
"We want to fix the problems and rehabilitate the country. Once we have peace and order, other things like reconciliation may be raised for discussion. While people continue to face hardship, this issue has to wait," he said.
Thaksin fled the country in 2008 shortly before being sentenced by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to two years in prison for abusing his power as prime minister by assisting his then-wife, Khunying Potjaman, in the purchase of a prime plot of land at a heavy discount.
In January last year the ex-premier talked on ClubHouse about a plan to end his self-imposed exile and return home in 2022. His youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is Pheu Thai's chief adviser on public participation and innovations, vowed to lead the main opposition to a landslide victory in the next general election.
Dr Cholnan said that Thaksin, despite staying abroad, has offered advice and recommendations and it will do the country a great service if the government lends its ear and puts his suggestions to practice.
On Pheu Thai's three prime ministerial candidates, the party will unveil them one month before the House's term ends in late March, he said. But in case of a House dissolution, the party will announce their names more promptly.
Whether or not the House will be dissolved before its term expires will become clear on Feb 6, according to the Pheu Thai leader.
It is the last day that MPs are allowed to switch parties and still qualify to contest the polls scheduled for May 7 if the House completes its term. Under the election law, candidates must have joined their party at least 90 days before polling day. But in the case of a House dissolution, that period is cut to 30 days.