A member of the Student Activity Information Resource group places a wreath bearing the slogan ‘Coup Killed Democracy’ in front of the Royal Thai Army’s headquarters yesterday to protest against the military’s seizure of power.

The CDR, which is based at the Royal Thai Army headquarters, received visitors throughout the day yesterday.

Residents of Koh Samet in Rayong asked the CDR to withdraw a decree giving authority to local organisations to develop special places for tourism, saying that local residents had not been consulted on the policy. They also asked the council to cancel a 2004 Cabinet resolution designating Koh Samet a special place for tourism.

"The previous government announced a resolution without holding a public hearing with local people," one Samet resident said.

Pian Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority Union, submitted a letter asking the CDR to halt the privatisation of public utilities.

Wirat Purahong, chairperson of the Thai Network of People, asked the CDR to make sure that the public had a chance to take part in drafting the new constitution. He also urged the new government to do more to tackle poverty.

Labour leader Somsak Kosaisuk yesterday said he would follow the CDR's policies but added that the question of privatisation would have to be addressed in the new charter.

He also threatened to protest against the council if it failed to follow through on its promises. If the CDR remained in power after two weeks, he would work with other groups to oppose the council, Somsak said.