Thaksin said salary increases for government workers would come quickly if the political uncertainty could be resolved.

"Without any political problems, the pay rise should take effect next year," Thaksin said.

The caretaker prime minister said he was determined to increase civil-service salaries to the same level as the private sector by fiscal 2008 at the latest.

He said current pay levels were not in proportion with workers' responsibilities and the rising cost of living. The pay rise would allow state employees to live with dignity.

Thaksin made the promise to almost 750 outstanding civil servants receiving merit commendations.

He said civil servants had performed their duties well over the past five years during a period of significant change.

State employees have received two pay hikes in the past five years. Thepthai Senpong, a spokesperson for the Democrat Party, said the party agreed with the salary hike, but questioned whether Thaksin had launched the idea largely for political purposes.

"Thaksin always launches ideas about pay hikes when his popularity is down. If he really has good intentions, why he doesn't order the hike to take effect by now?

"Otherwise, what he wants is to make civil servants favour him in the upcoming election."