Chuan said the Council for National Security (CNS) should be sensitive to domestic sentiment instead of worrying about judgements from Washington.

"Two months have passed but the people still have no understanding about the coup," he said.

The CNS and its interim government had done practically nothing to explain clearly to the people about the necessity to overthrow the authoritarian leader, he said.

He warned the CNS not to pay much attention to the cautious reaction from the United States because its real problem was how to secure the public trust.

He said he understood about the time needed to prepare for the next general election and to uncover evidence of corruption.

"But in the mean time the CNS should remain in touch with the people and try to be responsive to their opinions," he said.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the government would intensify the dissemination of news relating to its works and achievements.

"Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will tomorrow appear before the nation in a taped broadcast summing up his participation at the Apec summit," Yongyuth said.

Surayud wanted to inform the public about Thailand's standing on international trade, he said.

The prime minister was keen to visit Europe in the near future to explain the domestic situation, he said, adding the trip would be coordinated with Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretarygeneral of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Meanwhile, prodemocracy activist Krongkan Suebsaihan yesterday submitted a petition at Government House calling for the prosecution of Thaksin.

"In order to end confusion, specific charges should be filed so that the people can understand who Thaksin really is," she said.

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun also wanted authorities to respond to public sentiment in a speedy manner.

"The people feel that things are moving too slow. I understand the government is trying to resolve four issues that triggered the seizure of power, but it can work more vigorously," he said.

Anand concurred with Chuan that authorities should not give more importance to the views of the international community compared to domestic opinion.

He said the international community understood the domestic situation and urged fellow Thais to focus on how to improve the political system. Relevant parties seemed to have reached a consensus that the 1997 Constitution should be the model for the new charter, he said.

Many issues should be sorted out to restore democracy, such as the future of the Senate, Anand said.

The Nation