Sonthi, the first Muslim to head mainly Buddhist Thailand's military, was due to leave Bangkok late yesterday, Thai Army spokesman Acar Tiproch said.

"During the visit, Sonthi is expected to meet the president," Acar said but gave no further details.

Sonthi is also expected to give financial assistance to survivors of last year's devastating South Asian earthquake, which killed some 74,000 people.

Sonthi is due to return to Bangkok on Thursday, the Army spokesman said.

Meechai row simmers :Bannawit demands apology

An outspoken member of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) passed a letter of complaint to NLA Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan yesterday in a bid to pressure him to apologise for allegedly exerting undue influence over the appointment of a panel in charge of allocating seats for 20 committees.

Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, also deputy permanent secretary to the Defence Ministry, said Meechai should be responsible for his "inappropriate" leadership, which permitted no debate during the NLA session last Wednesday over membership of the assembly's committee-membership selection panel.

Instead, Meechai instructed the NLA to appoint 20 members according to seniority.

"The NLA should be independent from any influence," Bannawit said. He warned he would launch a campaign to collect members' signatures to oust Meechai if the NLA speaker continued to ignore his letter. The NLA will convene again tomorrow.