Winai denied he had discussed forming a party with Wang Nam Yom faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin last Thursday. None of the eight CNS members had political ambitions, he said.

Somsak left the Thai Rak Thai Party following the September 19 military coup and is currently involved in building a new political base.

CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said politicians misplaced their concern when speculating that the CNS might not relinquish power. "I believe the real concern is not about the CNS, but the details of the new constitution," he said.

CNS members were all close to retirement age and would strive to ensure stability when reverting to democratic rule, he said, vowing not to amass power.

Political comments should be aimed at forging conciliation instead of sowing distrust, he said.

Somsak blamed rumour-mongers for trying to link him with Winai and the CNS. He said he had not met Winai since the coup and also dismissed speculation that he planned to spend Bt2 billion to woo former Thai Rak Thai politicians from the Northeast to his faction.

Somsak said he saw himself as the victim of a smear campaign. He admitted, however, that he was trying to form a new political alliance with former faction leaders from the Thai Rak Thai Party. "It is true I remain in contact with key politicians like Suchart Tancharoen, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Sora-at Klinpratoom and Sonthaya Kunplome," he said.

The political scene will become clear after the completion of the charter-drafting process, he said, denying he was poised to support the comeback of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra or to invite coup-makers to lead his new political banner.

He said he would meet with the local press tomorrow to clear up any misunderstanding.