General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), yesterday rebuked General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, a former premier, for sharply criticising CNS and the government.

Sonthi also dismissed as groundless rumours that there could be a counter-coup to topple the Surayud government.

"Who would stage the counter-coup? I guess there must be something in the mind [of Chavalit]. Our country will fare worse if there is such a remark.

"It's not possible for Class 9 soldiers [of the armed forces' preparatory school] to do that since they're all my subordinates. Above all, they're all soldiers of HM the King," he said.

Sonthi suggested that Chavalit harboured a "hidden agenda" in making public statements against the government and the CNS.

"I don't know why General Chavalit commented about Thaksin's issues. He may have something in mind. He may try to negotiate something for his own interests or subordinates," Sonthi said.

According to Sonthi, Chavalit's statements on Friday could be possibly linked to appointments of senior generals to boards of state enterprises, which did not include any of Chavalit's close aides.

In addition, Chavalit also expressed his support for the early return of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand.

"I think it is better for all relevant parties if Thaksin is to stay at his Chan Song Lah home, instead of living in exile abroad, because he can be easily reached for talks," Chavalit said, adding that he foresaw no problems arising from Thaksin's return to Thailand.

Voicing his opposition, Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr said Chavalit had no credibility to act as Thaksin's advocate.

"Chavalit was part of the Thaksin regime, so he is in no position to pass judgement on the issue," Alongkorn said. He said Thaksin's presence in the country might derail reconciliation.

"Instead of talking about Thaksin, I urge the government and relevant agencies to speed up the seizure of his ill-gotten wealth," he said, arguing that the asset seizure should be a first step in the graft proceedings to expose and punish corruption offences.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the CNS should remain vigilant because Thaksin might try to mobilise his military allies to help in his comeback.

"The September 19 coup has caused certain military cliques to lose power, and a second coup remains a possibility for them to regain that power," he said.

He urged the CNS to strive to accomplish two things - prevent its military opponents from mobilising the troops, and boost public confidence in its performance.

"The people have accepted the justification for the military takeover, but they still need proof that there was corruption committed by the Thaksin regime," he said.

Thaksin's legal adviser, Nopadol Pattama, said rumour mongers were trying to fabricate a story about the ex-premier's return by the end of the year.

"Rumours about Thaksin's pending return by car or other means of transport are groundless," Nopadol said.

He said he was informed during a telephone conversation with his client that Thaksin would decide to return at a time deemed appropriate and with a publicised and dignified arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Nopadol said Thaksin would not allow himself to inflame tensions between the CNS and its opponents. He also speculated that Thaksin might retire from politics if the volatile situation persisted.

With regard to the tax investigation relating to the sale of Shin Corp, he said Thaksin's children, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, would report to officials on November 27 to explain their tax records.

The two have been summoned by the Revenue Department for questioning about possible tax liabilities stemming from the sale of Shin shares in their individual possession from Ample Rich, their offshore investment company.

Meanwhile, a source from the Thai Rak Thai Party said he was confident that Thaksin would be back at his home by next month.

"The CNS is under fiery attack on many issues, such as its attempt to control state enterprises and its suspicious moves to form a new party to cling to power, and Thaksin will have the public on his side if he decides to return," the source said.

Colonel Korakot Sariya, deputy commander of Nakhon Ratchasima police, said road checks on main highways linking the Northeast to the capital had found no unusual movement of people.

The checks were set up on Friday in the wake of a tip-off that anti-coup protesters might travel in small groups to rally at Sanam Luang.