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BANGKOK, Friday (AFP) Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai has indicated he will step down as leader of the opposition Democrats at the party's next general meeting in April, a senior party official said Friday.

"On many occasions he has said openly that he wants to open opportunities for new faces, and he has been party leader for three consecutive terms," said deputy party spokesman Peeraphan Saleerathavipak.

Chaun, who has served as prime minister twice in 1992 and 1997, is standing down in favour of other talented party members after his humiliating loss in January 2001 elections to current Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

But Peeraphan said that Chuan's departure was not certain, as the leadership vote at the next party meeting was still some way off.

"As of now it's uncertain until that day comes, he could continue as party leader," he said.

Chuan, the "Mr Clean" of Thai politics, has openly groomed his deputy Abhisit Vejjajiva as his successor.

The young, telegenic Abhisit is rated with the best chance of defeating the populist prime minister in elections expected in January 2004.

However, due to his junior status in the party and lack of connections, Abhisit's name has faded from the headlines in recent months.

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