The group of protesters had broken ahead of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders, and Pol Major Pramoj Prathumwong ordered his 300 officers to retreat just as the tension reached its height.

Pramoj reportedly issued the following orders: "Do not retaliate against people. Hold back and be patient. Do not attack citizens at any cost. Return to your base."

The command, which was given shortly after 11pm on Sunday, narrowly avoided what appeared to be the beginnings of a clash between protestors and the authorities. - The Nation.

Why Prapat quit

Former natural resources and environment minister and student activist Prapat Panyachatraksa said yesterday he quit the ruling party because of disappointment over Thai Rak Thai policies.

His decision was not because he was not ranked as a party-list MP, as claimed on Sunday by Thai Rak Thai secretary-general Suriya Jungrungreangkit, he said.

Prapat told The Nation he had asked Prime Minister's Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej about his responsibility in Thai Rak Thai after the party won the general election last year.

However, Prommin had failed to answer him, he said. - The Nation.

Court rejects case

The Supreme Administrative Court yesterday rejected a case filed by the Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD) calling on it to revoke the Royal decree dissolving the Parliament on grounds that the court did not have the authority.

CPD chairman Pithaya Wongkul, backed by other

NGOs, filed the case accusing

the prime minister of illegally dissolving the House and deciding on the day for the next election.

The court said Thaksin exercised his right, guaranteed by the Constitution, so he did not use his executive power and the court did not have the authority to investigate the case. - The Nation.