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Somchai, also the Defence Minister, was speaking after inspecting the Navy Club which would be used to organise the annual get-together party for high-ranking officials and Cabinet members on December 7.

He said he was willing to negotiate with the PAD since it was close to the anniversary of His Majesty the King's birthday. Also, as Thailand was hosting the next ASEAN meeting, and New Year's Day was approaching, "Everyone should put the country's interest first,'' he said.

He refused to confirm a report that General Pallop Pinmanee would be appointed assistant to director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

However, ISOC spokesman Col Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the PM had the authority to appoint the assistant director of ISOC under the law.

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said he believed if Pallop was to be appointed to ISOC, it was because he had flown to meet former prime minister Thaksin recently, and only Thaksin had the final say in such important appointments which are usually organised at Government House.

Maj General Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD leader, said his group would only sit at the negotiating table with the government, not the ISOC. He also refused to comment about the press statement that Pollop would take up the post of ISOC assistant director. Pollop said Cabinet would decide on the matter this week.