The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday rebuked caretaker Defence Minister General Thammarak Isarangkun for his suggestion that soldiers are getting impatient with pro-democracy protests.

Somkiat Pongpaibul, a key PAD leader, said the armed forces belong to the country and its people.

As such, he said, it is highly unlikely that soldiers will take drastic action against citizens demonstrating against the Thaksin government.

"If we look at all the past 18 coup d'etats in Thai history, the reasons for soldiers to come out from barracks were all about overthrowing shameful regimes, or about dirty elections.

"There's never been a coup

that crushed the people," Somkiat said.

So far, the armed forces have maintained guarded neutrality with regard to the anti-Thaksin movement because citizens have the constitutional right to express their opinions in a peaceful way, he said.

Thammarak earlier said soldiers are losing patience because protesters have not retreated after caretaker premier Thaksin Shinawatra announced he would not become prime minister again following the election.

Thammarak, who is also a deputy leader of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party, told reporters after presiding over a ceremony to mark the 119th anniversary of the Defence Ministry that he had urged soldiers not to violate the rule, even though many soldiers were keen to make a move.

When asked what the military would do if anti-Thaksin protesters continued their campaign, Thammarak said soldiers have so far restrained themselves by "counting one to 100 every day".

The defence chief said that all parties concerned should ensure the country returns to peace following months of demonstrations.