In addition to launching an advertising campaign promoting the government's achievements over the past five years, the prime minister yesterday released a million copies of an open letter to MPs and Thai Rak Thai Party members in a bid to fend off criticism of his leadership.

The letter was designed to explain that his family's involvement in the Shin sell-off did not prove a conflict of interest on his part, adding that the telecommunications law benefited his family.

As to why his family sold its shares, he said he wanted to put an end to the conflict of interest allegations so he could be free to work in politics. He added that although his family wanted to pay tax on the Shin deal, they were prohibited from doing so by a Finance Ministry rule.

Meanwhile, a group of Thaksin supporters calling themselves the "White Heart Power Group" launched a campaign in Matichon, saying they wanted to relieve the tension currently gripping the country.

"We can't always be successful, we also make mistakes," the group's message read. "Thaksin is like that. He is a commoner."

The advertisement also gave three examples of successful government policies: the wars on drugs and poverty, and the Bt30 healthcare scheme.

The group also called for support from other Thaksin supporters, saying they could sign up at the Victory Monument, Chatuchak market, Siriraj pier and the Central Pinklao department store.

Thai Rak Thai Party deputy spokesperson Suphamas Issaraphakdi dismissed that her party was behind the group. She said it was simply a group of people that supports Thaksin, just like the People's Alliance for Democracy is against him.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation