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Published on October 7, 2007

Surayud was Army chief from October 1998 to September 2002. Thaksin was premier from January 2001 until the September 2006 coup.

Junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly member Prasong denied having ever asked Surayud for anything.

"I couldn't do it. Prasong had asked me to do something, but I couldn't because it's against my principles," Surayud said.

The programme moderator on state-controlled Channel 11 then asked Surayud what that "something" was, only to receive the reply: "I can't reveal it - you had better ask him [Prasong]."

Surayud has come under attack from Prasong for more than six months. Things have heated up recently as the NLA, led by Prasong, is trying to launch a censure debate against Surayud over the PM's conduct and alleged inefficiency.

Surayud said yesterday that he had nothing personal against Prasong and was ready to discuss any topics with him.

Prasong said yesterday that he would hold a press conference on the matter tomorrow, adding that Surayud stands to lose from this "verbal fiasco".

In a related development, Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukatkanon insisted that the general election would take place on December 23 as earlier announced, despite the current political volatility which has led to speculation ranging from possible resignation by Surayud to yet another coup.

He said he was "90 per cent" confident that the time frame would stay as planned, even if Surayud resigns, as the constitution stipulates that elections must take place within 90 days of the organic bills being passed. He also told reporters he was not particularly worried about the political situation and believed things would improve.

Meanwhile, former chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly Noranit Sutabutr told a seminar that he believed Surayud would stay on to see to it that the promised general election is carried out.