This story replaces one withdrawn by the advisory

BANGKOK, Apr 28 (Reuters) Thailand's Administrative Court ordered a halt to by-elections today, saying there may be grounds to rule the inconclusive April 2 snap general election unlawful.

The court, which rules on the legality of government actions, said there were grounds in petitions it would hear soon which might lead it to declare the April 2 election unlawful. ''If the court ruled later that the April 2 general election is unlawful, which would affect the by-election order, which would bring damage to the national budget, candidates and the country overall, therefore there are enough reasons to issue an injunction before the court ruling,'' it said.

The statement meant by-elections for 14 seats left empty would not go ahead on Saturday as scheduled.

REUTERS CH PC1622