The Democrat's senior adviser Chuan Leekpai said the CNS should further clarify its reasons for staging the September 19 coup.

Although the current government can complete its term, the stability of the state institution is being tested by people loyal to deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

The declaration of the CNS, when it was called the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) during the early part of the coup, was insufficient, he said.

The body should inform people about the damages the Thaksin government had wrought on the country. The CDR said its reasons for staging the coup was to unify society, check corruption, protect independent organisations and uphold the monarchy.

The CNS and the government should cooperate to make people understand their positions.

The government should not distance itself from the CNS as it came to power because of the latter, Chuan said.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the government and the CNS should not ignore the suicide of Nuamthong Praiwal as his death could stir an anti-coup movement.

Nuamthong hung himself last Tuesday to protest the coup.

Ong-art said an underground movement and rumours of the past month about Thaksin's attempt to return, showed the former prime minister and his supporters may be conducting a "psychological war".

Such campaigns could be an attempt to negotiate for the group's interest, he noted.

Though CNS tried to show its sincerity in restoring peace to the country, it must know the Thaksin faction remains a threat, Ong-art said.

Wattana Khamchoo,

 Bancha Khaengkhan

 The Nation