Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda can handle whatever is thrown at him in the current political conflict, his top aide said yesterday.

Vice Admiral Pajun Tamprateep was speaking to reporters after groups of people converged in front of Prem's house to offer their moral support to the former prime minister as he is increasingly drawn into the crisis.

"I've been serving him for 25 years and whatever is thrown at him, he can take it," Pajun told reporters.

Prem has reiterated on various occasions in recent weeks that people should not give respect to rich or powerful people if they are corrupt - a remark viewed by some as targeting embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is facing many allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

Meanwhile, the failed "car bomb plot" allegedly aimed at assassinating Thaksin led to a group of the premier's supporters visiting Prem's house and begging him to spare Thaksin's life - a move that sought to implicate Prem in the plot.

Pajun, who came out to receive flowers and a letter of support on Prem's behalf in order to avoid worsening the perceived conflict between his boss and Thaksin, urged the public to do whatever they could to bring about national unity. He said Prem read all letters sent to him.

The letter was drafted by economist Sangsit Piriyarangsan, a leader of the Civil Society Network to Stop the Thaksin System, who was accompanied by several hundred members. They were joined by members of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy.

The one-page letter, which was read out before being handed over, praised Prem as "a true symbol of morality" in Thai society.

"We came to pledge that we will adhere to Prem's teachings," said Sangsit.

He added that Prem had spoken a lot recently about the need for people to have moral integrity and to oppose forces of evil.

"Thaksin doesn't change, however," he said. "In fact, he's quickly pushing Thai society towards tension and conflict. He doesn't yield to others."

Sangsit said his group had planned to hold a rally in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration office, but decided to abandon it because of the rise in political tension in recent days. "It's better than holding a rally and having someone throw a bomb [at the crowd]," he said.

The group lit candles in front of Prem's house and sang anti-Thaksin songs before the letter was presented. They said the candles would drive away dark forces.

"Let us chase away the ghost that took over the country," some said, as others shouted "Thaksin, get out!".

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation