Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit said it is too soon to discuss the Election Commission's decision to disqualify Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul for defaming Democrat candidate Tankhun Jitt-itsara.

People should wait for the Supreme Court's decision first, Mr Yongyuth, a deputy premier and interior minister, said on Wednesday.

The Pheu Thai leader said he had talked to Mr Karun and had given him words of encouragement.

He said that if Mr Karun loses the case, Gp Capt Anudith Nakornthap, a Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, will select a candidate to contest a by-election in Don Muang (constituency 12).

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was surprised that the EC took so long to decide Mr Karun's case.

Mr Abhisit said there was nothing complicated about it.

"If there's a by-election, Democrat candidate Tankhun will contest again," the former prime minister said.