Speaking at Wat Nanthapimparam in his home province of Khon Kaen, he said he had been in the monkhood for 90 days, and was content teaching and helping the local people.

Premsak was known as an outspoken politician and was once a staunch defender of the Thai Rak Thai Party. But he joined the opposition parties and People's Alliance for Democracy in criticising Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra shortly before the House dissolution on February 24.

Premsak said he decided to enter the monkhood as an encouragement for all sides in the conflicts to hold talks to try to end the political deadlock.

Following Cabinet secretary-general Borwornsak Uwanno's resignation and decision to enter the monkhood to make merit on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne on Tuesday, Premsak suggested Thaksin, Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua and Election Commission chairman Vasana Puemlarp consider following suit.

"They should leave their political posts for the sake of the whole nation, which will

also lessen the sins they have committed against us," Premsak said.