"Khun Somkid informed me on Tuesday that he would resign as he did not want to cause troubles. I told him that I respect his decision," Surayud said.

Somkid announced his resignation on Wednesday as chairman of a special committee in charge of preaching sufficiency economy to the international communities.

Somkid's appointment drew outcry and criticism from several sector as he was a right hand man of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Criticism emphasised that Somkid could not convey the sufficiency economy the international communities as he was architect of Thaksinomic used during Thaksin regime.

"I told Khun Somkid that I respect his decision to resign. There could have chance that we could work together again," Surayud said.

The government will not appoint new chief for the panel, Surayud said, as the panel will be abolished now that Khun Somkid resigned, he said.