More than 40 leading women yesterday blast-ed caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for his "irresponsible" claims of an alleged overthrow and threats to democracy.

The Group for Truth and Transparency demanded Thaksin name the person he claimed was behind a plot to overthrow his government.

Thaksin told top bureaucrats at Government House last Thursday that a "charismatic figure" was behind an alleged plot to drive him from power using "unconstitutional" means.

Yesterday's censure by the group piled more pressure on Thaksin for his provocative assertion.

Politicians, academics and government critics have all made similar demands for explanations. But the PM has so far refused.

"What Thaksin said was totally improper," said Prapai Prasartthong-osoth, a member of Truth and Transparency and a senior figure in the well-known Prasartthong-osoth Company.

"Who does he want to challenge? Or does he want to challenge the public? This issue should be made clear," she said.

Despite His Majesty the King's recent appeal for national reconciliation, political uncertainty and division was only getting worse, she said. "Whoever intends to ruin our country should stop it," Prapai said.

Other Truth and Transparency members include MR Rampi-arpa Kasemsri, ML Anong Ninoubon and Sumalee Viravaidhya.

The group launched its attack at a press conference at a restaurant in Royal City Avenue, a popular Bangkok entertainment area. It was forced to use RCA for its press conference because other hotels and venues turned it away, members claimed.

Thaksin used last week's meeting of top bureaucrats to "expose" the alleged plot to topple him by unconstitutional means. He also announced that he would restart his weekend radio broadcasts.

These manoeuvres came amid rumours of a possible coup.

There has been speculation that Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda is the man Thaksin was talking of.Thai Rak Thai leaders have dismissed the claim.

"Some people believe Thaksin refers to a person who has more power than Prem," Prapai said. "Only Thaksin will be able to clarify the doubt."

Truth and Transparency member Anong said Thaksin's claim about the plot to oust him was irresponsible. The public was now confused if the plot and conspirator really existed.

"It is not right to accuse someone by this means. It makes people guess and refer to the wrong person," she said.

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), including Suriyasai Katasila and senators Karun Sai-ngam and Vinyu Urangkul, joined yesterday's press conference.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai said Thaksin had to reveal the name of the "charismatic figure" in order to end misunderstanding.

"If he doesn't want to reveal the person's name, just say it's his own wife Pojaman. She is also a charismatic person. It will make us stop guessing," he said.

But Deputy TRT spokesman Jatuporn Prompan hit back at the "elite women", saying they had no right to comment on the prime minister's deeds or words.

He claimed Truth and Transparency had violated the law by appealing for a royally-appointed prime minister.

"They should apologise for that misdeed, rather than staging a press conference," he claimed.

Meanwhile, Senator-elect Samak Sundaravej hailed Thaksin for revealing a cancer in Thailand's democracy.

"Thaksin had been asked to clarify why two of his legal advisers resigned without informing him in advance. He said he would soon find out the truth," Samak said.

Instead of giving a direct answer, Thaksin wisely implied the resignations were part of a plot by a "charismatic" figure to oust him, Samak said.