Banharn said he had never cut ties with former members and any can return to his party.

"If Chatchawal Chompudaeng or Sontaya Kunplome or other former members want to come back, I have no problems. Some people left Chat Thai because they had to. If they hadn't gone, they would have lost opportunities,'' he said.

He said he had not expected the coup, though he was aware that something might develop as the country was completely divided under ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. "There are many people who disliked Thaksin but are against the coup. I ask, then - what is the other way out?'' he said.

He praised the Council for Democratic Reform for staging a bloodless coup and returning power to a civilian government within 20 days.

"I have to compliment them on doing such a neat job, with no delays or [physical] harassment. As for the investigation into [ousted politicians'] assets, the Asset Examination Committee must submit its files to the Supreme Court,'' he said.

Banharn said he supported General Surayud Chulanont as the prime minister and Bank of Thailand Governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and Bangkok Bank executive chairman Kosit Panpiemras to take charge of the key economic ministries.

Banharn said Thaksin had not contacted him since his government was overthrown by the military.

 "I warned him many times. If Thaksin had believed me, things would not have had to end like this. He believed only his aides, but where are they now? There's no need to behead these aides now. They have fled the scene and the land is less heavy,'' he said.