"It is the only peaceful option left for Thailand. Rule by politicians is not enough to make our country peaceful. People's power is the real authority of the nation," he said.

At a press conference Prawes asked if Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was corrupting the nation and argued that all accusations made against the premier needed urgent investigation.

"Although the House is dissolved, the accusations are still hanging over him and need investigation," he stated.

"If the accusations are proved right, his punishment must be unimaginably severe. Once such crimes drew the death penalty to seven generations. Today it should be at least life in jail and confiscation of all his family's assets by the state," he continued.

He suggested either Thaksin confess if he had committed the crimes or allow investigation by an independent body. "If he has done nothing wrong, he has nothing to fear," Prawes said.

"But I doubt Thaksin will choose either route, so the demonstration is the only choice left," he said. "Gathering is the right of the Thai citizen and recognised by Article 76 of the Constitution."

Thais too often think political and legal power put one beyond reproach, he said, which allows politicians and lawyers to act as they wish.

"The law has recently been amended to allow foreigners to own as much as 49 per cent of a Thai property for their own benefit. This is an ethical and moral issue. The real power of the nation is ethical authority, not legal or political power.

"The lesson in ethics should be taught by the citizen to the leaders, not by the premier to the people.

"I urge you all to show the power of the people, because it is the power of ethics that can bring peace to our society," Prawes concluded.

Kamol Sukin

The Nation