"I didn't do it" : Thaksin

Thaksin said he had to issue the statement to protect himself and his family and supporters from falling victim to mudslinging by any party.

He said he disapproved of violence as a political campaign tool. "Although I have been calling for democracy and justice for the Thai people, I am not behind the political unrest,'' he said.

Meanwhile the Democrat Party agreed to let Senate Speaker Chai Chidchob select the chaiman of the committee on reconciliation.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it was a good start to have a committee representing the government, the Opposition and the Senate and that as much public participation as possible should be allowed in amending the Constitution.

He said Chai had told him that the committee included non-MP specialists and he hoped it understood the sensitivity of its work.

Chai said this second joint committee of the two houses would seek means of political reform and conduct a feasibility study for constitutional amendment. An earlier joint committee was set up to investigate the red-shirt rallies between April 8 and 15.

Asked how the public could be sure that the committee would not allow collusion by politicians, Abhisit said its findings would be forwarded for House approval. "Politicians know they will face public opposition if they just try to solve problems in their own favour,'' he said.