The young politician said during the lunch discussion that his party had found that there existed "undercurrents" in many parts of the country - particularly in the North and Northeast. Possible threats from these groups, purportedly sympathetic to the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have been cited by the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) as the main reason why martial law should be retained.

Abhisit told Surayud yesterday the undercurrents were threatening national security and he called for the government and the CNS to take stern measures to deal with it.

For the time being, the leader of a minor political party said, there was only one party stirring the waters and its leader was sitting opposite to Surayud, according to a source who was among the participants.

Thai Rak Thai Party's acting leader Chaturon Chaisang faced Surayud across the table.

Leaders of other minor parties then spoke up in support of the statement. The uproar continued for about 10 minutes.

Chaturon, with a grim face, looked down without responding to the comments. Surayud then intervened by changing the topic.

Meanwhile the PM and Third Army Area commander Lt General Jiradech Kacharat dismissed a report that troops were being sent to Bangkok amid fears of Thaksin's possible return.