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Published on July 7, 2007

Surayud said he could not interfere in the justice system, but assured Thaksin he would receive a fair trial.

The government will do everything in its power to ensure his safety, he said.

"As the chief of the administrative branch it's our job to take care of security. I promise we will take care of him," he said.

Thaksin has said he will not return home because of safety concerns.

He said while in Japan yesterday he would return to face corruption charges only if he could be sure of a fair trial. Thaksin will launch another website putting his side of the claims and to communicate with supporters.

Surayud said the government would not block the site. It is Thaksin's right to launch a website, he said.

If the website includes conflicting information, viewers should study the Constitution Tribunal verdict in electoral-fraud cases that led to the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party, as well as its reasons for the verdict, he added.

Surayud said the collection of signatures by former Thai Rak Thai members of Parliament in support of the formation of a new party was a matter for the Election Commission.

The Council for Democratic Reform - now the Council for National Security - declaration prohibiting political-party registration is still effective, he said.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Woranaree Kosajan

The Nation