More than 20 political activists yesterday asked Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to intervene in the selection of the National Legislative Assembly president, saying that leading contender Meechai Ruchuphan was unfit due to his record of serving deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Kamolpan Cheewapansri, president of the Parent-Youth Network for Educational Reform and a representative of the group, handed their petition to Prem's secretary Pachun Tampratheep as they rallied in front of the retired general's residence in Bangkok.

"The national legislative members should not pick Meechai as their president because it will lead to the ruin of the whole country," she said.

The group has joined the chorus of anti-Meechai calls from other activists and academics, who have urged Meechai to quit the NLA, citing his legal services for the Thaksin administration.

In accepting the letter, Pachun told Kamolpan that Prem as Privy Council president would stay out of political affairs, so nobody should involve him in any disputes.

The group also asked Prem to protect two Thaksin opponents, Sondhi Limthongkul and Prachai Leophairatana, who have come under a barrage of legal charges after launching campaigns against Thaksin.

During the political crisis culminating in the coup, Prem was seen as playing a key role alongside anti-Thaksin movements by delivering anti-government speeches and reminding the Army of its duty to side with His Majesty the King.

On Thursday Meechai reported at Parliament House to work as an NLA member and insisted on his qualifications for the presidency. He is engaged in a tight race for the top post with veteran columnist Prasong Soonsiri.

But former Army chief General Pravit Vongsuwan has emerged as another contender, with some legislators from the military camp said to be preparing to nominate him.