The prime minister was the one who had created the crisis and exploited the constitution and democratic spirit while the snap election was intended to whitewash him, the group wrote in an open letter to Thaksin.

The group comprises respected sociologists, anthropologists and historians, including Shalardchai Ramitanondh, Srisawang Puawongpaet, Ekawit Na Talang, Charnvit Kasetsiri, Chayan Wattanaputi, Srisakara Vallibotama, Khunying Khaisri Sri-arun, MR Rujaya Aparkorn, Banthorn Orn-dam and Suthy Prasartset.

The scholars said Thaksin lacked the political ethics needed to lead the government and was now trying to turn all of the accusations levelled against him into problems of the democratic system and the country.

The prime minister is putting the country at risk by his exploitation of democratic rules to serve his own benefits, the letter stated.

Any public confrontation could lead to more violence for Thai society, the scholars warned.

"To prevent further loss to the country and end the current conflict and confrontation, Prime Minister Thaksin should resign as premier," the group urged.

Meanwhile, the dean of Rangsit University's Social Innovation Faculty called on the Thai Rak Thai Party to debate Thaksin's qualifications and decide whom they should serve - the prime minister or the country.

Witayakorn Chiengkul said if Thaksin did not resign, there was a real chance the economy could slump. "If Thai Rak Thai MPs are democracy-loving politicians, not employees of the Shinawatra company, they should show their spirit and tell people whether they serve Thaksin or the country."

Prince of Songkhla University rector Prasert Chitpong gave his support to the 98 academics and prominent figures who on Sunday petitioned His Majesty the King to appoint an acting prime minister.

Prasert said the prime minister's resignation was the best solution to the political crisis. Prasert said Thai politics had hit a dead end and therefore Thaksin should make a sacrifice for the sake of the country. Thai Rak Thai spokesman Sita Divari said  academics and prominent figures had only one vote each, the same as other people. They should not call for a royal-appointed government as a House dissolution was not unprecedented nor a condition for an interim government.