"I do not want to comment on their criticism but it was all lies," Surakiart said.

He said he found it unbelievable that the three former envoys "could use such rude language and behave like that".

Asda Jayanama, the Kingdom's  former representative to the United Nations, told the rally that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's two state visits to India during his first term were fuelled by a desire to seal a satellite deal for Shin Corp, which was then owned by his family.

Former ambassador to South Africa, Surapong Jayanama, told the crowd that the conflict in the South had escalated to the point that it had soured relations with Malaysia.

The conflict also reflected Thaksin's failure to recognise cultural and religious diversity.

Kasit Piromya, a former ambassador to Washington, said Thailand had adopted imperialist ideologies.

Surakiart, who is campaigning to replace outgoing UN chief Kofi Annan, was singled out for special criticism.

"Because we had a weak foreign minister who responds to Thaksin as if he is his servant, we have not been able to solve any problems," Asda said.

Surakiart responded by accusing the three envoys of damaging relations with other countries. "Their statements will affect relationships with other countries. They were ambassadors who were assigned to build up relations, but they have tried to destroy them," he said.

A foreign ministry official agreed with the three former envoys' assessment.

"We cannot say what we think in public, but we were very frustrated with the direction of foreign policy during Surakiart's term," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Other officials, however, said the envoys' comments could damage foreign relations.

Nantida Puangthong

The Nation