They admitted, however, they were worried about the political turmoil, saying it could lead to dire consequences if not resolved quick-ly.

"The speculation that top C-10 and C-11 officials would sign a petition calling for Thaksin's resignation is groundless," Cabinet secretary general Bowornsak Uwanno said.

Bowornsak talked to reporters following a telephone conversation with secretary-general to the prime minister Prommin Lertsuridej, who was concerned about speculation.

On Monday morning, ranking officials at Government House started checking with one another that directors-general and per-manent secretaries were poised to ask Thaksin to step down.

"Civil servants cannot stand idle in light of the political situa-tion," a permanent secretary said on condition of anonymity.

Bowornsak said he had had a meeting with many top officials, including Culture permanent-secretary Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, and none had discussed Thaksin's future.

"Top officials are worried about the turmoil even though they are supposed to be politically neutral."