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Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general, Suriyasai Katasila said Samak was a person who has also done something wrong and will suffer the consequences because the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) has accused Samak of his involvement in the alleged corruption in the purchase of fire-fighting equipment.

Samak said on Wednesday that if his party won the general election and formed the next government, it would push for amnesty of the Thai Rak Thai Party executives and have the National Counter Corruption Commission take over all corruption investigations from the AEC.

"This proves that People Power is being used as a tool to protect the interests of Thaksin's regime and not in solving the country's problems. Samak should be aware of the consequences if he creates divisions and brings the country to a political crisis,'' he said.

PM's Office Minister Theerapat Serirangsan criticised Samak's comment saying that whatever the politician wanted to do for the election campaign, he should not do anything that adversely affects the country's checks and balances.

"He should realise that seeking political support at the expense of the country's political turmoil is totally irresponsible,'' he said.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Prasong Soonsiri said it was "a pity" that Samak was a law graduate did not even understand the ruling of the Constitution Tribunal.

"Even though the people who face the political ban did not make the statement about granting amnesty, yet by making other people speak, they must be careful of breaching the ban,'' Prasong said.

He said he was concerned about other members of People Power Party who had good intentions to work for the country because the statement by the party leader may cause the party to be dissolved and they won't be able contest the election.

Samak elaborated his statement on Wednesday that he did not seek public support and did not speak on the order of any one else, but just wanted the public to consider the country's loss of good politicians such as Somkid Jatusripitak, Chaturon Chaisang and Pongthep Thepkanchana who are facing the five year ban.

Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanawisit welcomed the move by Samak for clearly announcing the party's stance to grant amnesty to the former Thai Rak Thai Party executives.

"The public can now easily judge whether this party has the policy to protect public interest or vested interest,'' he said.

Council for National Security chief, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin on Thursday said he is ready to accept the decision by the public whether the 111 former Thai Rak Thai Party executives should be granted amnesty.

"Samak has announced his political agenda. It is now up to the people whether they want to vote this party into power,'' he said.

People Power Party chief advisor Lt General Kan Thienkaew said he supported the move by Samak saying that many people among the 111 politicians should not have been punished.

"It is not right and it is a pity,'' he said.