Chavalit makes call for interim govt

He said other available options such as dissolution of Parliament for a snap election or the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would not solve the conflict.

"To solve the problem, an interim national government must be formed. This will provide a way out for the country," he said.

Chavalit said the proposed interim government should consist of representatives from diverse groups in the population.

In 1997, Chavalit stepped down as prime minister following the economic and financial crisis, thus allowing the opposition Democrat Party to form a new government.

Chavalit warned that the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) might trigger an uprising unless the government issued a clear signal about mending fences with opponents.

If the situation deteriorated and became violent, the military would have to step in to restore normalcy, he warned.

Democrat Party secretary-general Theptai Senpong expressed support for Chavalit's idea, saying it reflected his sincerity towards the country. However, the idea was rejected as "premature" by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and Kanchana Silapa-archa, deputy leader of the coalition Chart Thai Party.

"It's not time now. We should wait and see how the protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy will turn. The government and police are confident the situation can be kept under control," Kanchana said. "After the prime minister resigns, who will replace him? General Chavalit?"

Noppadon, an executive of the ruling People Power Party, said: "The government won the support of voters, so it has the legitimacy to be in office. The political problem is caused by groups of people who do not respect the rules. They do not accept people who have been elected by voters."