They were evacuated from the compound, but it was widely speculated that the bomb scare was a ruse by security officials who did not want to them to gather for political purposes, as that is still prohibited by order of the ruling junta.

Nation TV called Wiwattanachai, who said the group – which calls itself the MPs’ Club – had occasionally met and talked over a meal for the past two years.

It has 76 members, mostly former MPs and MP candidates who failed to win seats at various elections.

Wiwattanachai conceded that the group had the idea of forming a new political party at some point, although the future of the group itself first needed to be discussed further.

At this time, the group has no funders, he added.

A Pheu Thai Party source said the group had gathered most recently in order to show its support for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha taking on the premiership following the coming election.

The source also said the group claimed to have contacted some junta figures to inform them about its membership and updates.