The Democrat Party yesterday agreed with Sonthi's idea that prime ministerial tenure should be limited to two terms.

But the Thai Rak Thai Party criticised the Council for National Security (CNS) chairman for meddling in constitution drafting.

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the party supported limiting prime ministers to two terms.

"If the idea is stated in the new constitution, we will support it. The Democrats believe this is right. Our party regulations state every party office holder can hold a position for two terms only," he said.

Sonthi announced on Saturday guidelines for the new constitution ahead of yesterday's National People's Assembly convention.

One view was about the prime ministerial terms. Others were about an end to the 90-day membership rule for political party members and making the censure of prime ministers easier to instigate. The Democrats and the Thai Rak Thai were concerned over his apparent interference in politics.

Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan said it was not the duty of the CNS to give direction to political reforms.

"I want to tell Sonthi that democracy isn't created by authorities but by majorities," he said, adding Sonthi and senior CNS members should be careful in expressing opinions.

Jatuporn said Sonthi should let all organisations work independently following their appointments.

"If Sonthi wants things to go his way, he should have another coup," he said.