"Elder statesman Prem wants peace and harmony to prevail and if warring parties remain unwilling to talk, I think mediation might be necessary," he said.

Commenting on the military's view of the political turmoil, he said soldiers would not get involved.

"There should be no more speculation about a military takeover," he said. "Soldiers were trained to withstand tension and pressure and will not stray."

The military will not side with the government or its opponents, he said.

The commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force said members of the public should draw their own conclusions rather than let themselves be drawn into the turmoil.

"I think people should carefully review what is right and wrong before making their decision," Army commander-in-chief General Sonthi Boonyaratkling said in reference to the anti-government rally in front of Government House.

Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Satirapan Keyanon said relevant parties should not try to interpret Prem's statement in a self-serving manner.

Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk said all sides should take the initiative to restore peace instead of putting the blame on one another.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that both sides in the ongoing political stand-off should heed Prem's advice and try to settle their differences.

"Most importantly, all parties concerned must ensure peace in our society," he said.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said the Privy Council president simply wanted both sides to end the confrontation. He said he did not think there was any deeper message in Prem's plea.

Surapong said those involved in the ongoing dispute should not interpret what Prem said to support their position.