To salvage the coup, the Council for National Security (CNS) and the interim government, as well as its proxies, might want to immediately adopt the following ways out:

1) The CNS and the government must increase dialogue and communication with the Thai people about the tangible progress on the four reasons behind the coup - corruption, divisiveness, nepotism and abuse of power as well as insults made to the monarchy. This basic mantra has been somewhat neglected and lost in the labyrinth of day-to-day political manoeuvrings. If Thais do not have confidence in the coup leaders and lose faith, the external reaction towards Thailand will worsen and condemnation will strengthen in the weeks and months ahead. All Western media hype in recent weeks has come about due to the sheer incompetence of those wielding power themselves.

2) An election day must be fixed between September 19 and December 31 of this year. Choosing any date beyond this would be useless, as it would deepen suspicions that the military and its appointed government do not want to leave politics. This is the most pivotal issue in the minds of the public, both at home and abroad, and it continues to severely undermine Thailand.

3) The charter should be completed within 180 days, followed by an additional 60 days of public hearings throughout the country and vetting by those in the appointed National People's Assembly. The new charter must be responsive to the people's needs and promote civic participation in political, economic and social affairs. Any compromises that go below the standard set by the 1997 charter would go against public expectations. The CNS should consider forfeiting the right to enact a new constitution without first consulting the public if the draft fails a national referendum.

4) The declaration of martial law remaining in 35 provinces, especially in the North and Northeast, must be lifted, effectively immediately. It took 80 days for the Royal endorsement to end martial law in 41 provinces. Any delay will further augment ambiguities and uncertainty concerning the CNS's sincerity and political plans. Support for Thailand from the United States and the European Union hinges on the complete removal of martial law and a return to democracy. The country's reputation also is at stake.

5) There should be a drastic reshuffle of the Cabinet due to the incompetence and sheer ineptitude shown thus far. To start with, the heads of five ministries must roll - Finance, Education, Interior, Foreign and Agriculture. Several blunders have been committed that have provided huge stores of ammunition to ridicule Thailand for a long time to come. Hundreds of others up to the director-general level must be dismissed if they continue to drag their feet on investigations into Thaksin's malfeasance and attempts to obstruct political reform. Senior bureaucrats continue to view the interim government as an encumbrance to their daily routines - that should be made to go away soon.

6) The government must reiterate that Thailand follows the tenets of a free-market economy through and through to boost the confidence of businessmen and investors. Since the Bowling Treaty of 1855, this country has never closed its borders to trade and commerce. It ranks high in the World Bank's statistics on competitiveness and openness. In fact, Thailand's growth has ridden on the tide of globalisation, often at its own peril. Any talk that demonises the Thai economic system must be dispelled immediately. Meanwhile, those who come up with barbed propaganda on the sufficiency economy, knowing nothing about it, must shut up.

7) The Thai media must be free. Let them report what is going on unhampered in their watchdog role. History has showed that critical reports on Thailand have promoted accountability and transparency while crippling corrupt and dictatorial governments. Unfortunately in the aftermath of the coup, the country's press freedoms have been quickly tarnished by media intimidation and the continued banning of certain community radio stations and websites. It will remain a scar on the country's face as the effort to rebuild democracy continues. News about Thaksin should not be blocked - let editors decide on their news value. The more Thaksin talks, the more exposed he is and the more he discredits himself. A crook is a crook; even a billion dollars in assets cannot hide that fact.

8) The police force needs to be urgently investigated, as it is one of the most corrupt entities effecting every aspect of life for citizens. From 2001 to 2006, the police force was transformed into a political force that served Thaksin's personal ambitions almost completely. The government will leave a legacy if it can initiate reform measures and implement them now. Of course, little can be achieved given the high level of resistance from the top level and the rank and file.

9) Thailand is not a banana republic. Various stakeholders must come to their senses quickly. Any propaganda campaigns that would render an image of a Kim Jong-il-like nation must be avoided at all costs.

When all is said and done, whether the coup can be salvaged depends totally on those in power.

By the end of this year, if they emerge as more corrupt and paternalistic without democratic tendencies, then all will have been in vain.

Kavi Chongkittavorn