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Published on September 24, 2007

Samak, speaking to reporters at his home in Nawamin, said the coup makers had created havoc in every field, especially the judiciary. "They brought the Supreme Court president to be Justice Minister and court secretary-general to be Justice Ministry permanent secretary, another judge to the Depart-ment of Special Investigation and four judges to be Election Commissioners," he said.

They also made another judge a member of an Assets Examination Committee panel that leaked information to newspapers. He alleged the wife of a judge also accepted a kickback.

Samak said his party would welcome Chalerm Yoobam-rung as an ally if he wished to join. "Chalerm and I have been good friends. He can come in, no problem."

However, he refused to comment on reports General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would become chief adviser to the People Power Party.

Samak also hit back at alleged moves to prevent People Power Party getting media coverage, saying reporters should interview him to see if he would get publicity. He called on the government to lift martial law, saying it was necessary as political parties were in the run-up to a general election.

Meanwhile, Chalerm admitted yesterday he had met former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in London but claimed they did not talk about politics. "My sons and I went to England only to watch football - we did not intend to meet Thaksin," he said.

Chalerm denied he went as a nominee of Chavalit to make a deal with Thaksin. "I was not [a nominee]. I don't have enough importance," he said.

He added that he had not decided to return to politics with any particular party and said he was not a member of the People Power party. Chalerm said he would announce his political future after Chavalit clarified his situation.