The party leaders offered their views to boost public trust in light of criticism of the performance of the Council for National Security (CNS). They spoke separately.

Thai Rak Thai Party acting head Chaturon Chaisang said the coup leaders should not allow themselves to get distracted by minor issues but focus on what they set out to do.

"I understand that the restoration of democracy will take time," he said.

Chaturon suggested the CNS ease curbs on basic rights as an act of goodwill to remove uneasiness caused by martial law.

He said the CNS should allow time for relevant agencies to work on various graft cases, warning that rushing legal proceedings might trigger a perception that due process is being tampered with.

"The CNS has already installed necessary mechanisms, like the interim government, the National Legislative Assembly and the Assets Examination Committee - now let them do the work."

Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong said the military intervention was inevitable in order to repair political flaws and heal social divisions.

Snoh said the CNS should try to deliver tangible results as proof that usurping power was not a setback for democracy.

"The people want action and not daily excuses," he said, reminding the CNS to root out corruption and policy abuses.

Coup-makers should heed the lesson not to get greedy and consolidate power, instead of returning it to the people, he said.

"A repeat of the Black May, 1992 incident is a strong possibility if the coup-makers fail to honour their word," he said.

He reminded military heads to stay out of politics, saying their alleged involvement in forming a new political party might destroy the CNS.

Commenting on the "suspect" link between politician Pinij Charusombat and CNS secretary-general Winai Phattiyakul, he said: "Many boxing referees have been known to be booed out of the ring for condoning cheats."

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he opposed any politicians trying to chart their future by soliciting support from the CNS.

"Military leaders should not get involved in a puppet party and politicians should not bait the armed forces as a short-cut to gaining power," he said.