Lobbyists 'not needed'

The comments followed a visit to the United States earlier this week by former foreign minister Noppa-don Patama, who is Thaksin's legal adviser. Noppadon said he had met a number of American government officials to seek more US involvement in Thailand's political conflict.

Chavanon Intarakomalsut, secretary to the foreign minister, said yesterday that according to the Thai Embassy in Washington, Noppadon met less senior officials, and not US congressmen.

Chavanon said the Foreign Ministry is doing well in explaining Thailand's political situation. And he saw no need to hire American lobbyists, like Thaksin did.

Sirichok Sopha, a Democrat MP and the prime minister's close aide, said that despite calls for the government to hire lobbyists, he saw no need for that. He was convinced the Foreign Ministry was doing a good job in explaining to foreign diplomats about what happened.

Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsu-ban said yesterday that he believed the ministry is more credible than Noppadon, who is obviously one of Thaksin's men.