"The only reason is he wants to maintain the Thaksin regime," Democrat deputy spokesman Satit Pitutecha said at his party headquarters.

"It's clear that strings will be pulled with the ultimate goal of winning the [next] election and retaining power," he said, adding Thaksin wanted to be at the helm in the run-up to the next general election.

Satit said Thaksin would have to be held accountable for unanswered questions which culminated in public pressure that forced him to take "a break from politics".

The ruling Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday defended Thaksin's decision to resume leadership of the government, following his one-month hiatus.

In early April, Thaksin said in a nationally televised address he would only perform certain tasks as prime minister and would not assume the position until a new government was formed.

However, Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan said yesterday there were five major issues that needed Thaksin's urgent attention: the economy; soaring oil prices; a "new" narcotics problem; a "worsening" situation in the deep South; and the upcoming celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

She claimed the political situation had changed tremendously from the day Thaksin announced his sabbatical. The next election was now at least five months away and it would do more harm than good for the country to have no leader.

Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Sutin Klungsang said Thaksin decided to resume his duties following calls for him to return to resolve the country's problems.

Caretaker Deputy Premier Chidchai Vanasatidya, who has stood in for Thaksin, said the prime minister had to resume office when the need arose.