"Law-enforcement authorities are doing their job without any pressure from the government, and the courts will ensure justice for everyone," he said.

Chidchai was reacting to Sondhi's allegation that the government had pressured police to issue the court-sanctioned warrant of arrest.

He said Sondhi should understand that police were obliged to take action after many civic groups had filed hundreds of complaints against him.

"Sondhi should prepare to defend himself in court instead of trying to confuse the public," he said.

Thai Rak Thai Party executive Pairoj Suwanchawee said Sondhi would face a mandatory jail term if found guilty of offending the monarchy.

"There is no precedent for suspending the jail term," he said, adding that Sondhi's best hope was to receive a royal pardon after serving part of his sentence.

Pairoj said he was certain that Sondhi was guilty as charged.

"Even Kom Chad Luek newspaper, which published Sondhi's statement, has issued a public apology asking for a royal pardon," he said. The newspaper is a sister publication of The Nation.

In regard to the political situation, Pairoj said his party would have no objection if the courts invalidate the April 2 election outcome and order a new one.

He said his party was open to suggestions on how to ensure an honest and fair election acceptable to all parties.

He also said he wanted party leader Thaksin Shinawatra to end his political break and lead the next government.

"In my personal opinion, Thaksin is the most qualified candidate for the position of prime minister," he said. "Even at the height of the political crisis no one called for Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to lead the country."