Academics leave Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda’s residence after discussing their concerns with him yesterday.

The campaign against the country's political leadership gained a major boost yesterday when the chief adviser to His Majesty the King gave a speech on the topic of enduring goodness to a group of anti-Thaksin campaigners, which was seen as a barb aimed at the caretaker prime minister.

General Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council, opened up his home to a group of 20 anti-Thaksin campaigners from state universities yesterday.

The move was unprecedented, as Prem has always distanced himself from activists of all stripes and from politically driven issues.

The group, spearheaded by Chulalongkorn University lecturer Anan Laulertworakul, has vowed to pressure Thaksin Shinawatra to quit politics to end the political crisis and pave the way for political reform.

The group had sought and received an audience with Prem before launching activities today at major universities including Chulalongkorn, Khon Kaen, Mahidol and Prince of Songkla.

"Prem quoted from the King's remarks on goodness to inspire and remind everyone of the sacred duty to do good for the country," Anan said after the hour-long meeting.

Prem's speech supported the idea of joining forces to pull the country out of its political crisis, he added.

"In his remarks, Prem emphasised four times that he harboured no hatred or bias against any individuals," he said, noting that the anti-Thaksin campaign was focused on setting politics back on the right track and not personal feelings.

Prem urged all people to do their duties virtuously. He did not mention any names, Anan said.

Prince of Songkla University lecturer Boonrueng Manasurakarn said academics looked up to Prem for inspiration to try and end the political uncertainty. People were not trying to involve Prem in politics.