New Govt urged to make direction clear

"I would be sorely disappointed if the government failed to clarify its views on three important issues which should be included in the policy statement," Jatuporn said.

The three issues are the relentless determination to rewrite the 2007 Constitution, the outlining of specific provisions to be amended so as to pave the way for the referendum on the matter, and a clear road map to move protesters out of Government House.

Jatuporn, who is a former anti-coup activist and a stauch ally of former prime minister Samak Sundaravej, said he would push for his main coalition party to address the three issues.

He also said he was involved in organising an anti-coup rally at Sanam Luang, scheduled for today to coincide with the September 19, 2006, seizure of power.

People Power MP Sukhumpong Ngonkham said the parties concerned should not be suspicious that the main coalition party would rush to amend the charter.

The supporters of a charter rewrite still fall short of a simple majority and the House-appointed panel for charter review has yet to complete its job and recommend the amendments, he said.

He denied speculation that coalition lawmakers were pushing for a legislative deal - dropping charges against the People's Alliance for Democracy in exchange for its support of an amnesty for the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai executives, including former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The coalition government had no plans to grant amnesty or to rig the legal proceedings, he said.