She yesterday asked national police chief Seripisut Temiyavej for protection.

Sudarat said she and her children had been followed by a group of men since May. She does not know their identity.

"I've complained to the police several times. Finally five men - I found out later they are soldiers of the Supreme Command and Armed Forces Security Centre - were arrested.

"But they've been released. I don't know why," she said.

"I came to see Seripisut because my children's lives are in his hands. I want him to take care of them. He promised to send policemen to guard my kids," she said.

Sudarat will write to junta chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin asking for information about the arrested men. She said one was a command sergeant-major and the others sergeants.

"I will write to Sonthi giving my full cooperation to the Council for National Security. I'll do anything to make the country peaceful," she said.

Sonthi yesterday denied the military was tailing Sudarat.

Metropolitan Police chief Adisorn Nonsee said city officers were not following her.

An investigation continues.