"It is up to him. We cannot force anyone. He decides what is suitable. The CNS has no problem,'' he said.

Sonthi was speaking after Thaksin gave an interview to CNN in which he said he would not re-enter politics but would like to return to Thailand as a ordinary citizen.

Asked if he thought Thaksin's return would cause more problems in the country, Sonthi said that Thaksin's supporters and opponents complicated problems. If a third party wanted to interfere, the CNS would be in trouble.

The junta chief had said earlier that Thaksin's aircraft could not land in Thailand without his permission.

Sonthi said he would today seek government approval to organise a day of nationwide merit making to ward off unfortunate incidents that might affect the country in the next few months.

After paying New Year respects to Somdet Phutthacharn, the abbot of Wat Saket who is commonly known as Somdet Kiaw, Sonthi said: "There were people saying that over the next two to three months the situation in the country might not be so good. So I would like to organise a nationwide merit making. Somdet Kiaw said it is a good idea.''

The merit making will be carried out in every religion in every province and all state agencies. The format and date have yet to be decided.

Sonthi said he had planned to go and greet Assets Examination Committee chairman Nam Yimyaem for the New Year, but did not because he was told that Nam was in a meeting.