Embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra insisted yesterday he was still in the game, far from demoralised, and would lead his party into the next election.

Thaksin said he was not perturbed by People's Alliance for Democracy plans to revive fresh street protests to force him out, as he had broken no rules.

He also called on the PAD and his other adversaries to carry out their duty and heed His Majesty the King's speech on June 9, which called for unity and cooperation.

The premier was apparently speaking in response to media reports last week that claimed he was "demoralised" after the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and after the Election Commission reportedly endorsed a fraud investigation into the Thai Rak Thai Party.

"No, not at all," Thaksin said yesterday when asked whether he had become demoralised and resigned to his fate.

"The party has done nothing wrong so how could it be dissolved?" Thaksin asked.

And when asked if further PAD protests would force him to resign, he replied stubbornly: "Never. I have to work."

Thaksin said he was working according to the rules and added his adversaries should do the same while taking heed of His Majesty's June 9 message of reconciliation.

But last week Thaksin appeared ready to wave the white flag and hinted to his Cabinet that he might not return to head the government.

"I would be happy to leave for the peace and reconciliation of the country," Thaksin said last week.

Now he is accusing newspapers of twisting his words, claiming he is determined to fight on.

Thaksin said all sides should wait patiently for the October 15 election, while his government submits a Royal Decree to set the election date after August 15.

"But now we all have to strive to get the country to move forward. The best way is to have all sides carry out their duty to the best of their ability and adhere to His Majesty's speech," Thaksin said.

After chairing a meeting of party executives, Thaksin said Thai Rak Thai would have to work for its 14 million members when he led the party into the next election and denied that more Cabinet members would resign.

Thaksin said Wissanu's resignation did not affect Thai Rak Thai because Wissanu was not a party member and he still had 35 Cabinet ministers working beneath him. He said he might adjust assignments to his deputy prime ministers after Wissanu's resignation, which took effect on Saturday.

Caretaker PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva said the party's executives resolved yesterday to hold a meeting of all its electoral candidates on Tuesday.

The party would also hold a seminar on July 4 to discuss the political climate and devise electoral strategies.

Suranand said the meeting of party executives also discussed Wissanu's resignation.

"Wissanu was not a party member. He had the status of an adviser to the prime minister and the party has to respect his decision to leave," Suranand said.

A source from the meeting said some executives asked if the party should criticise Wissanu's decision to resign and damage government credibility but Thaksin asked them to keep quiet.

Thaksin also asked his party executives to tell the people that Wissanu came to assist the work of the government and after he finished his missions, he left to pursue other things, the source said.

Samatcha Hoonsara,

Hassaya Chartmontri

The Nation