PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila read a statement accusing Thaksin of pulling the strings behind the Samak-led People Power Party (PPP), the leading party in the six-party coalition government.

It said the government might annul the new National Security Act and fill the armed forces with Thaksin-friendly generals. Then it would dismiss all charges against Thaksin.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee denied all the accusations, saying the government would never stage a putsch to help Thaksin evade prosecution.

The thrust between the government and PAD is expected to continue, and the fear is that it could turn into street protests.

Two years ago, PAD had managed to call on half a million people to the street for an anti-Thaksin rally in Bangkok.

The PAD said it would soon call a meeting of key members in all 76 provinces to plan a strategy to counter-balance and scrutinise the state authorities and follow up the progress of prosecution of the ex-premier.

By now, it is far from clear how much support the PAD still has to call any mass protest, because more and more Thais have been tired with political unrest and eager to see stability restored as soon as possible.

On March 12, the Supreme Court will hold the first hearing with Thaksin and his wife as defendants, who face corruption and conflict of interest charges regarding the purchase of a land lot in downtown Bangkok in 2003.

On April 3, a hearing will be held by the Attorney General's Office to decide whether to indict Thaksin on a case in which he and his wife were accused of concealing ownership of shares in the family's property development company.

Both cases will be closely watched by the anti-Thaksin or pro-Thaksin camp. A ruling in favor of or against the former premier will disappoint or agitate the opposite side, and it will be a tough test for Samak's government whether it could contain the sensation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2008)