There have been rumours about a coup that have caused confusion among the public. How are the rumours about another coup linked to the school arson attacks [in the North and the Northeast].

From military analysis, there is a link. The principle is like what happened in the three southern provinces, in theory and practice and objectives. The military is monitoring and checking the pattern to see which groups are responsible. We have to find that out clearly and focus on solutions to the problem.

Do you still believe that the people who have lost political power are behind [the blasts]?

We analysed several groups that might be behind it and the theory about the political group [being behind the incident] seems more reasonable.

What do they want?

It is obvious that politics is the ultimate reason. But we will not say so at the moment. We just keep in mind that the public should not be troubled.

About the coup rumour, are there people in the military who have the potential [to stage a coup]?

Considering the administration in the military... I give justice first priority in my management. We need unity and believe in the brotherhood [in the military]. Thoughts of a coup are unlikely.

You once said that money is more powerful than weapons.

We are trying to inculcate ideology to get over it [the value that worships money], but I do not believe that it is possible.

Is there still unity in the CNS? I have heard about conflict at meetings.

No - I insist that we have unity. Our management since September 19 has been united.

Is Thaksin involved?

How much he is involved we cannot say. We have to find the operatives [who planted the bombs]. If we do, we can analyse the future direction.

Do these things [what they found] prove that he is involved?

We cannot indicate so. [Not really] We will bring all reasons to our analysis.

What do you think of Thaksin's letter from Beijing? What do you think about the content? It seems the letter communicated directly with the CNS.

It is just a way out, by giving an explanation. I rather want the public to look at the truth. As time passed the public understood and knew about the problems, but they have not done anything.

Thaksin said the CNS stresses on retaliation.

If the CNS had such intentions, we would have seized his assets at the beginning. We want reconciliation. The public wants me to impound his assets but I do not think that we can because our country has rules and law. What the previous government did will show in the result of the investigations.

Shouldn't we just impound his assets?

We have to admit that there are assets that appear legal and there are a lot outside the system. He does not need to use the legal assets for he can use the hidden assets.

The lifestyle of Bangkok people has changed. Society needs confidence.

We have to admit that the [bombers'] objective is to trouble the public so that the impact is reflected on the government and the CNS. They want to destroy the CNS and the government. We just have to make them less successful in their goal. We have to get the military to work more with police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the private sector to reach an understanding over this point and cooperate in the problem solving.

Then I believe it will not be easy for them. During the bomb attacks, there were CCTVs that captured what happened. Police are checking.

The CNS is not satisfied with the police performance as they seem to be in neutral gear. Is it possible that the police chief will be removed?

I believe that every police officer has high ideals and most are good men. The bombers coordinated well and did their job professionally making it hard for the police to investigate. The police face a tough job but I believe they will succeed. If there are police who are in neutral gear, the police should know and police will share the adverse impact. Every police officer should have dignity. As for the police chief, it depends on the police's performance.

General Surayud has said Thai people have to be prepared for a new type of threat from now on.

I have given the definition of a new kind of threat to the armed forces for several months. The threat has happened and it cannot be found in textbooks or theory. We told the forces that what is happening in the capital is a new kind of threat. There is also a threat in the rural areas, where people understand very little about democracy. With the lack of understanding it is difficult to achieve peace. So we deploy the forces in communities to create understanding and solve drug problems.

General Chavalit [Yongchaiyudh] has alleged that the CNS made up the bombings?

I want to say that on September 19, the decision makers risked their lives. They had to take responsibility for their decision, to do it for the sake of the public. Why then would we plant bombs to destroy the people that we love more than ourselves?

Why did General Chavalit think like that?

I cannot explain. The CNS meeting insisted that there was no such thing. There are a few people who can plant bombs: soldiers, police. He has the right to present his view.

General Saprang mentioned the names of several retired military officials who have connections with General Chavalit and Thaksin.

I cannot confirm that. We have many perspectives in our analysis. We look at every element, every one, and see what is most likely.

How close are you to the targets?

We are quite close and the police have announced more progress in the investigation.

Can you link them to the mastermind?

They have probably removed the link. However, we can analyse from the direction of what is happening.

Thaksin's letter indicated that he had phoned people in the CNS.

He told me to work to the best of my ability and that he is a sportsman. That was it.

Do you believe Thaksin's word that he is a sportsman.

First of all, we have to believe him.

Since the incidents happened, do you still believe him?

I do not know who did it. I want the spirit of sportsmanship to return to him.

Is it a sentiment as a result of a coup?

I agree with Khun Thepchai's analysis that what is happening today, we should look at what happened in the past with our country. We come today to remove the past. We want to build the correct foundation. What they are trying to do is to put the people in doubt and discredit the government and the CNS.

How are you going to solve the problem?

For what happened on December 31, those who were responsible will regret because the whole country has been affected. They are probably ashamed of their sin.

Are you too optimistic?

I wish to be optimistic. People who were involved are not few because it happened at many spots. At least 50 people knew about this. Many have good conscience and fear of sin. This will lead to a good attitude.

Will there be a Children's Day celebration this year?

Many people asked me if there will be safety. I think we will celebrate Children's Day this year bigger than any year. Because more people love the military. We want young people to have confidence in being Thai and believe in the military and love the country. I will prove that Thais can continue living their lives normally.