Thaksin tells hotheads in PPP to remain cool

He was said to have been concerned about inflaming street protests organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

"Thaksin has advised [them] that the timing is not right for a charter rewrite in light of the growing opposition movement against the government. We should wait until PAD loses its popularity," one source said.

PPP MP Chavalit Wichayasut said his party had not resolved to file a fresh motion on the amendments as announced by two high ranking MPs on Friday.

The confusing remarks might have happened because the party's Northeast MPs were split on the timing for the charter debate, he said.

A faction led by banned party executive Newin Chidchob wanted to rush the proposed amendments on grounds that the PAD would aim to oust the government regardless of PPP's stand, he said.

But a large number of MPs from the Northeast want to avoid a confrontation with the PAD for fear of bringing about the government's downfall, he added.

On Thursday, PPP MPs from the Northeast will hold discussions in Chiang Mai to form a common stand on the issue, he said.

PPP spokesman Kudhep Saikrajang voiced optimism that the political situation will not spiral out of control, even though Newin's faction may manage to file its motion tomorrow.

The faction claims it has already solicited 103 sponsors for the motion.

It needs 131 motion co-signers to meet the minimum requirement.

Kudhep said the public should be concerned about the PAD trying to incite turmoil rather than pay attention to how MPs are doing their job.

He said the PAD was bent on ousting the government without justification.