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Published on August 26, 2007

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) may mobilise again as it fears the return of Thaksin Shinawatra's former party members in an election, its former spokesman said yesterday.

The alliance is also considering the idea of setting up a political party of its own.

Suriyasai Katasila declared growing concern over the "regrouping" of factions motivated by "vested interest rather than public good", which could spur the alliance back into action.

"We must see if the people's alliance needs to be revived," he said.

Labour leader and alliance member Sirichai Maingam added that voters were without a "third alternative" and perhaps it was time for the PAD to establish a political party.

Suriyasai added: "We have always denied having a plan to set up a party. But the situation over the past two to three months has changed the minds of many members."

The comments come after more rumours and speculation of another coup and talk that senior Council for National Security member General Saprang Kalayanamitr is insecure about succession in the Army.

Coup leader and council chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who is due to retire soon, holds the position of Army chief.

Some see Suriyasai as close to Saprang and fear that a revival of the alliance and its activities will be the pretext for another coup.

Suriyasai suggested yesterday that selection of a new Army chief be reviewed because division could lead to a coup. He added, however, that he was against the extension of Sonthi's tenure past September.

He called on any new Army leader to maintain a clear stance against Thaksin to ensure the people do not blame it for "facilitating his return to power".

Suriyasai cast doubt on a suggestion by former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh that Chavalit act as a go-between. While the idea is sound, he questioned Chavalit's standing in public. Some believe he is helping Thaksin stage a return.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship - formerly the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship - vowed to continue its opposition to the junta.

It will protest until a new Cabinet replaces the junta-backed government and an elected upper house replaces the military-appointed National Legislative Assembly.

The group said it had changed its name to reflect its long-term commitment to opposing military interference in the government in any guise.

It predicted that Election Commission management of the coming poll would not be impartial. However, the People Power Party - home to many former Thai Rak Thai members - will win at the ballot box, it added.

It accused the 14 million voters endorsing the 2007 Constitution as "dictatorship lovers" hoodwinked by the military with promises of a return to peace and democracy.

Anti-junta demonstrations resume on Thursday at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok.