Chaturon also urged the government to keep Saprang under control after the Council

for National Security member accused his opponents from the former ruling party of harbouring grudges against him following the coup.

Thai Rak Thai on Monday claimed that the CNS deputy secretary-general included a relative in the 13-member delegation that splurged Bt7 million on the junket.

Saprang did not deny or admit this but said he was the victim of a smear campaign as he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

"I doubt Saprang's words that it was a move by his opponents [to discredit him]. It's wrong for the powerful figures who are running the country to regard politicians they don't like as enemies. I think what he said was improper.

He should change his view. Both the CNS chairman and the prime minister should suggest this to him," Chaturon said.

Even if Saprang considers Thai Rak Thai as his adversary, it will not reciprocate, he said, adding that the party saw him as a fellow countryman with different perspectives on solving the country's problems, especially on democracy, liberty and civil rights.

On Monday his party's executive committee will write to the government and the Auditor-General's Office requesting an examination of Saprang's travel expenses.

"It's a political party's duty to keep the country's welfare in mind. Even though the money may be trivial, the state shouldn't ignore it, because this is all about transparency," he said.

Meanwhile, Gen Sawrang said he was ready to explain his trip to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont if the Thai Rak Thai submitted a letter to the premier or the National Counter Corruption Committee.

He added that committee boards could take relatives abroad and that it was considered a normal matter.