The premier said "it's not that difficult", according to government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp.

The AEC has been complaining to the Council for National Security (CNS) about the lack of cooperation from state agencies because they refused to file complaints against political office holders. They are worried that the delay in prosecution may affect their work if witnesses retract statements if politicians from the old power camp return to office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula yesterday denied that he was instructed to co-operate with the AEC in lodging a complaint against office holders.

"For the Finance Ministry, we have done our part. This matter does not concern me. I finished my part the first day,'' he said.

PM's Office Minister Prasith Kowilaikul said the AEC was pushing to amend Articles 66 and 68 of the National Counter Corruption Act to remove a clause that requires damaged parties to lodge a complaint against politicians.

He said the amendment could be done quickly.

Meanwhile, Noppadon Patta-ma, legal adviser for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his family, said yesterday Thaksin would give more interviews to the international media in a few days. But he did not identify the media.

A source said Thaksin was leaving China for Dubai and Australia.

Noppadon, speaking at a press conference at the Central Sofitel hotel, said Thaksin's interview with Time magazine would appear in its February issue.

The ex-PM recently caused a stir when he criticised the government and the CNS in his interview with CNN news network.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Samatcha Hunsara

The Nation