But Kantathi insisted the note did not contain any reference to the "charismatic person" the premier has claimed is trying to overthrow the government using unconstitutional means.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Kantathi said the "personal letter", dated June 23, 2006, was signed by Thaksin and sent to Bush via the Foreign Ministry.

He said it contained no reference to the much-reported on "charismatic person" and added the United States was the only country to receive such a letter.

"The letter was a clarification on the possible confusion surrounding Thai politics. The letter explained that despite Thailand's internal political problems, the country would continue to move forward and would solve the problems in line with the Constitution," he said.

"We won't make any major decision as we are a caretaker government, and we'll take care of the relationship between Thailand and the US," Kantathi said.

He said a press conference would be held by either the government or the Foreign Ministry spokesman in the coming days to clarify any lingering questions about the letter.

Kantathi is in Washington on a trip to meet with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other senior US officials.

Outgoing Nakhon Ratchasima Senator Kraisak Choonhavan yesterday reiterated his demand that the prime minister "come clean" about the content of his letter to Bush.

Kraisak told reporters last week that the letter contained allegations that were similar to those made by Thaksin to top bureaucrats on June 29 when he claimed a "charismatic figure with power beyond the Constitution" was trying to overthrow him.

Kraisak is chairman of the Senate foreign affairs committee.

"A prime minister of Thailand can send letters to anybody abroad to improve relations or clear up misunderstandings.

"But, what the prime minister did must be made public and it must be revealed if the letter referred to the 'charismatic figure'," he said.

"Were Thaksin's actions to protect himself in the eyes of foreigners? Did he have other reasons? Did he accept society's questions? Or did he want to blame others and say he was innocent?" Kraisak said.

Surapong Jayanama, a former director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Information Department, said no Thai prime minister had ever sent a "personal letter" to another leader explaining a domestic political situation.

He questioned why Thaksin would explain domestic matters to a foreign leader and not the public.

Surapong alleged Thaksin tried to portray himself as the sole symbol of democracy in Thailand, in the same manner as North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and China's Mao Zedong portrayed their roles in their countries.

"These are dictators who like to use beautiful words to appeal to the public and who always claim to have the support of their people. Thaksin is like that."

Former Constitution drafter Kanin Boonsuwan called on Thaksin to reveal the contents of his letter.

He said the Constitution demanded it. Section 58 guaranteed the right to information held by state agencies.

Chat Thai Party deputy leader Weerasak Kowsurat said he learned about the letter before Kraisak's revelation.

He said Thaksin should reveal its contents because this was an issue of public trust and Thaksin's honesty and sincerity.

Kraisak claimed on Friday that Thaksin sent a "secret letter" to Bush complaining about an alleged attempt to derail democracy in Thailand.

Thaksin made similar comments to senior government officials on June 29.

Kraisak learned of the letter from sources at the Foreign Ministry and Government House. He made the letter public at the "Muang Thai Rai Sapda" ("Thailand Weekly") meeting at Lumpini Park.

Sopaporn Kurz

The Nation

Washington, DC