Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, who is also PAD spokesman, said yesterday the group would meet next Tuesday to discuss the six months under the interim government, and also to assess progress of the Council for National Security's "four missions".

The Alliance will also discuss the possibility of resurrecting the group. PAD members went their separate ways after the coup. However, with supporters of the PTV station, created by former Thai Rak Thai men Veera Musiga-pong and Jatuporn Phrompan, now staging rallies to attack the junta, the PAD may return to "active duty".

Suriyasai admitted the PTV rallies were the reason his group was set to meet.

"They have defied the government and the PAD on their stage. They also want to protect the deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, even though the graft probes against him are being scrutinised by organisations set up by the junta," he said.

Suriyasai said the PAD was concerned about the government opening the way for a group of capitalists from the last regime to control someone in the current line-up.

"The situation at present shows the CNS and the government have a conflict, that has caused the state to lack unity. Even an election and a new constitution will not solve the political problem," Suriyasai said.

However, the PAD would not hold a massive rally because they want to avoid an encounter with other groups.

"Our goal is not to attack the pro-Thaksin group, but to focus on how the government is working. We will investigate each ministry - and give information on the Thaksin regime to the people as well," he said.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation