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"In my view, a national government would be the best solution," said General Anupong Paochinda, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army.

However, Anupong conceded the idea might be difficult to realise unless the political parties abandoned their partisan interests.

The trouble will persist if the parties do not make sacrifices, he said.

The Army chief also called on the feuding sides - particularly supporters of the ruling coalition and the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy - to avoid clashes and not be too stubborn about their beliefs.

Anupong said as a Thai citizen, he would like to see a new prime minister, one who could help improve the situation.

"He should be able to help eliminate the conflict and find a way out for society. He should help the country weather the present crisis and create good things for the people," he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Democrat Party yesterday continued to float its idea of a national government that included non-politicians.

Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party had merely offered its help in an effort to end the ongoing crisis.

"The Democrats have no intention of struggling for power. We simply proposed an idea to find a way out for the country," he said.

Abhisit said if the coalition parties decided to continue with the present setting, "they must be able to explain to society what way out they have for society".

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban also supported a national unity government.

"I don't think a new government consisting of the current coalition parties will be able to solve the country's present problems," Suthep said.

He also ruled out the possibility of a government consisting of the two largest parties: the People Power Party (PPP) and the Democrats.

"That would be difficult. The Democrat Party would be unable to shoulder the burden of restoring the PPP's image. But it would be another matter for all parties to cooperate," he said.