The former senator was handed the important job of drafting the new constitution after the military seized power and abolished the 1997 constitution.

Yesterday, a Royal Decree installed an interim constitution, but Meechai, whose appointment had attracted widespread criticism, decided to pull out from the drafting of the new constitution, Council for National Security (CNS) secretary-general General Winai Phattiyakul said.

Winai told the CNS that Meechai had sought to step down. He said the council appointed former secretary to the Supreme Court president, Jaran Pakdithanakul, to replace Meechai.

Meechai's appointment was strongly opposed by law academics who complained about the former senate speaker's prior political connections, especially with ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

After his appointment last week, he sought to have former deputy premier Wissanu Krea-ngam and former Cabinet secretary-general Borwornsak Uwanno brought in to help draft the constitution, both controversial figures.

As the arguments deepened, Meechai suddenly decided to pull out from the committee, saying he was tired.

Meechai is now reported to be in Hong Kong.