He said he wanted to show through his resignation that reconciliation must be given priority to in this time of political crisis.

Somkid was appointed late last week as chairman of a special committee in charge of preaching sufficiency economy to the world.

Critics and action groups, especially the People's Alliance for Democracy, cried foul over his appointment, saying he was economic architect of the Thaksin government and staunch supporters of the Thakisonmics.

But Somkid told the press conference that he held opposite way of thinking with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said he could not resign from the Thakin government because he was in charge of economic affairs and could not leave the country's economy to be in crisis.

He said he appreciated Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont for giving him a chance to serve the country as the sufficiency theory envoy. He said Surayud himself proved that he wanted to have reconciliation by appointing him to the post.

Somkid said he volunteered to work for the country to explain the sufficiency theory after foreign media attacked the theory and caused misunderstanding to foreign countries.

"I would like to end the conflict here and do not want the conflict to become a burden of the prime minister. So, I decide to withdraw myself to end the conflict," Somkid told the press conference.

"I know that if I stay on, the prime minister will protect me but what good it will do for the country?"

He said he could still serve the country without a position.

The Nation