Yongyuth was released from military custody yesterday along with three other key members of the Thaksin Shinawatra government. All were detained shortly after the military seized power on September 19.

"I got a scholarship from a university in Canada to study for a PhD in environment management. I was studying the subject at the Asian Institute of Technology some years ago, but could not finish it," Yongyuth said.

He said he would take the opportunity of being out of politics to study the subject further. "But I will surely reenter politics after I finish my studies," he said.

Yongyuth said he was well aware that he would have to get permission to go abroad from the military junta, now called the Council for National Security (CNS).

Besides Yongyuth, the junta detained former deputy prime minister Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya, former justice minister Newin Chidchob and prime minister's secretarygeneral Dr Prommin Lertsuridej.

Prommin told reporters that he and Chidchai were well cared for during their detention and had full access to news and information.

He said he had used his best efforts to protect the country and democracy until the military seized the power, but would now abide by the CNS's orders.

Prommin declined to comment on reports that there would be violence between pro and antiThaksin groups if the former prime minister returned to Thailand. "Although I have had no opportunity to talk to Khun Thaksin, I am sure that he wishes to see the country return to peace and stability," he said.

Chidchai, who went to his Nonthaburi residence after being released, refused to speak to reporters.

CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said that the four men would be kept under police surveillance.

The Nation