Speaking during an interview on TV Channel 11's "Ban Phitsanulok Open House" programme, Surayud said two milestone events were driving Thaksin supporters into rallying, the disbanding of Thai Rak Thai Party and the freezing of Thaksin's assets.

According to Surayud, the ousted premier telephoned twice several months ago but only to chat.

He expressed confidence that the Assets Examination Committee could successfully prosecute Thaksin and avoid what happened in 1991 when the National Peace-Keeping Council overthrew the Chatichai Choonhavan government but failed to seize any politicians' assets.

"Officials have tried to

prevent problems that oc-curred before. They reviewed laws and corrected them," he said.

Thaksin can stage a live presentation to his followers as long as his speech does not whip up anger or incite violence, he said.

A curfew will be ordered only if the situation warrants one under Article 5 of the State of Emergency Act, such as protesters intruding into state offices, destroying public or private property or causing public disorder, he added.