Chavalit calls for national unity government

Chavalit said there would be "an important incident" in a day or two but did not elaborate.

"The situation is turning more and more violent, and there is a tendency for something bad to happen," he said.

Chavalit said a completely new Cabinet headed by Somchai should consist of capable and good people from all political parties.

"Now we should forget about the opposition and the government. Our immediate goal is to ensure the country's survival," he said.

"The prime minister must make a decision tonight and form a new government aimed at restoring unity in the country. He should believe me; there is no other way," he said.

"The country now lacks unity, and the government must create unity. Somchai must form a unity government and think only of the welfare of the country, the monarchy and the people," he said. "He must form a new Cabinet consisting of good and capable persons to help solve the problems. If he wants to be a hero, this is the only way to end the problems."

Chavalit served briefly as deputy prime minister in the Somchai Cabinet. He resigned shortly after a violent police crackdown on protesters outside of Parliament on October 7, when the PM was to announce his government's policy statement.

In a press conference in the PCC Building, Chavalit explained he had resigned to take responsibility for the violence. He said his proposal to move the parliamentary meeting to a new venue had been rejected by the prime minister even though most Cabinet members agreed with it.

He said he had actually wanted to leave the Cabinet earlier after learning he was not given the responsibilities promised.

"The prime minister invited me to be in charge of security affairs. But he later announced he would take care of that matter himself and told me to oversee the Education Ministry," Chavalit said.