Leave monarchy out of politics, says Surayud

"I don't get involved in politics but every privy councillor has a duty to safeguard the monarchy from political impact. I plead for all sides to stop politicising our revered institution," said the former prime minister.

Surayud said he remained impartial and cordial to every politician, including ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been calling him an elder brother since their days at pre-cadet school.

He warned the divisions would deepen if rival sides insisted on involving the monarchy in their bickering. He was monitoring the situation with serious concern.

Surayud said rival politicians should try to resolve a political predicament instead of letting it fester. The situation should not be allowed to degenerate to the point where another coup was launched.

He was speaking to newly enrolled secondary students at Suan Kularb College in Bangkok.

Supreme Commander General Bunsang Niampradit also urged all political groups not to invoke the monarchy to justify their political views. He urged Privy Councillor Prem Tinsulanonda's opponents to be thankful for his sacrifices for the country.