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Suriyasai Katasila, the PAD's coordinator, dismissed allegations that the group had conspired with the Democrat Party in wrestling for political power. He said the PAD would scrutinise the Democrat-led government and even people previously associated with the group, such as Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"If Kasit fails to perform his duties in line with the declared government policies, he could be among the first Cabinet members to face a PAD protest," Suriyasai said.

Kasit took part in several rallies by the PAD, including one held when the group seized Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Suriyasai insisted yesterday that all five core leaders of the PAD were independent from the Democrat Party and would never become associated with the current coalition government. Democrat MP Somkiat Pongpaibul, a PAD core leader, holds no positions in the government led by Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The activist also asked the "red-shirt people" to allow the new government at least three months to work before they stage any protest. He said the PAD had allowed the Samak Sundaravej administration at least four months before it called its first rally.

"The PAD staged its protest when that government was in decline. But the red shirts have called their rally before the new government even begins it work. There surely will be more pressure from society than the PAD faced. Also, the red shirts are closely associated with ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra," Suriyasai said.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a New Year's party for PAD supporters in Muang Thong Thani yesterday. The event was attended by more than 10,000 people, most of them having taken part in the group's protests against the two previous administrations that were alleged proxies of Thaksin.

The party was organised amidst tight security, with a heavy presence of police and security guards in addition to about 100 of the PAD's volunteer guards. The party's theme was "Farewell to the old year and welcome to the new year; a celebration of the people's victory".

Suriyasai yesterday ruled out the possibility of the PAD forming a new political party.

He said there had been calls for such a transformation due to the fact that the group had managed to "raise more funds than any political party" and to command a loyal following, with many of its followers brave enough to fight police armed with tear gas.

"The five core leaders insist that the PAD will not be turned into a political party. We are instead focusing on improving the efficiency of the civic sector's political movement," he said.

The PAD plans concerts in various provinces, during which the audience will be educated about politics, according to Suriyasai. Starting from late January, such activities will be organised a few times every month, as part of the PAD's campaign for "new politics".