General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), yesterday said he did not consider himself a candidate for prime minister. But he refused to deny or admit the growing speculation that he would try to cling to power.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, yesterday said Sonthi's non-committal response on Tuesday to a reporter's question about his political future, was inappropriate in the currently "sensitive" situation in which people are worried that the junta may be trying to prolong its power.

"Whatever he says, the CNS chairman should avoid creat-

ing confusion and make sure

his words benefit himself and

the country," Suriyasai said.

The activist said the coup's opponents would raise the matter to attack the military, which could lead to widespread resistance from the public.

He called on the junta chief to make it clear that there would be a general election this year and the power would be returned to people.

On Tuesday, Sonthi did not give a clear answer when asked if he aspired to become prime minister. "That's too high a position. I'm a Thai patriot and I'll do anything that will further strengthen our country," he said.

The Army chief was speaking during a news conference at the Army Auditorium where the CNS, the government and other relevant agencies were reporting on the progress made during the past six months, following the September 19 coup that overthrew the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra.

Worajet Pakeerat, a lecturer at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law, said yesterday he was surprised at Sonthi's answer because it did him no good, as such an answer would only boost suspicion towards the CNS.

The academic, however, said he believed the junta would prolong its power - but in a discreet manner.

Thai Rak Thai Party's caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang said he did not think Sonthi had the ambition to become prime minister, but added that the CNS chief should avoid making unclear remarks about politics.

"Such a remark will only make people more concerned that the junta may try to extend its political power," he said.

Chaturon said as Sonthi was unclear about his political future, society should keep a close eye on the constitution drafting in order to make sure that a new charter will not allow the junta to cling to power.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the debate about the matter should be over as Sonthi had said he was not a suitable choice for PM and that the general had made it clear there would be a general election this year.

General Sonthi, when asked about his political ambition yesterday, said he had already shouldered a heavy burden as the Army commander-in-chief and chairman of the CNS.

"We all expect the prime minister to be perfect in every aspect. I don't think I fit the requirements for the job. I think it's impossible," said the general, when asked if he would accept the PM's seat if offered.

He said it is "very unlikely" for him to play a political role in the future.

Sonthi was responding to a question from Nation Group editor Thepchai Yong during the "Sayam Chao Nee" (Siam This Morning) programme on Channel 5 yesterday.

The general, who retires at the end of September, yesterday explained his remark given on Tuesday that helped fuel the speculation about his political future.

"I meant that I would do anything helpful that I could, even after my retirement. That doesn't mean I must be prime minister. There are many other things I can do," he said.

Sonthi yesterday insisted he and fellow CNS members have no political ambitions. "I see that all of us in the CNS are satisfied with the things we have," he said.

Suspicions of a possible ploy to hold on to power by the CNS grew after some members of the Constitution Drafting Committee, including its chairman Prasong Soonsiri, voiced support to the idea that the new charter should keep the option open for an unelected person to become prime minister.

The proponents argue that such a clause is needed to prevent a political deadlock similar to one before last September's coup.

Sonthi recently told Time magazine that he would not run for prime minister.

"We are looking at a new election by the end of this year. The military will withdraw from politics and we will become, as we want to be, professional soldiers who will help develop the country any way we can," he was quoted as saying in the magazine's March 1 edition.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn,

Kittipong Thavevong

The Nation