Buri Ram is the political base of Newin Chidchob, a former MP and a close aide to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

During the meeting with heads of government agencies, leaders of local administrative organisations, district chiefs, and village chiefs in the province, General Sonthi Boon-yaratglin outlined the reasons behind the September 19 coup last year. He also asked them to explain the reasons to the local people.

Sonthi said the country was facing natural and man-made disasters including drugs, illegal immigrants, and school torchings. He urged local leaders and people to come together in solving those problems.

"Many parties are in neutral or reverse gear. I would like to ask you to love yourself less and love the country more," he said, adding he was going to visit other provinces to deliver the same message.

However, before Sonthi's arrival, mysterious handouts were found in the area. One read: "Sonthi arrested on February 12, 2007 at 10am." It also said the people of Buri Ram were not as bad as they were thought to be.

A source, who asked not to be named, said the handouts must have been released by amateurs who wanted to cause chaos.

Sonthi, speaking at the National Defence College earlier yesterday, insisted the CNS would not act against deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra for giving media interviews and speaking out against the CNS and the government.

Sonthi said the CNS did not need to explain to the public what Thaksin said, as he believed the public could use their own common sense to decide right from wrong.

He said the more Thaksin spoke, the better the CNS and the government could work, because the public understood the government more and was happy to cooperate.

Surachai Piraksa,

Sumalee Popayak

The Nation