Key members of the government yesterday hit back at comments by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun that Thailand could become a "failed state".

The heaviest salvo came from Deputy Agriculture Minister Adisorn Piangket, who said Anand came out to criticise premier Thaksin Shinawatra because he wanted to become a royally appointed prime minister through Article 7 of the Constitution.

"Anand has never been aware of democracy and does not have a democratic spirit. He has never run in an election. In his view, politicians are always bad," he said.

Adisorn said if Anand wanted to become prime minister, he should set up his own party and play by the rules. 

"But now the time is up for him to return as premier. He cannot be premier under the current Constitution. He should stop commenting right now," he said.

Speaking on Wednesday, Anand warned Thailand could become a "failed state" if the present polarisation and hatred were allowed to continue.

Government spokesman Sura-pong Seubwonglee said the country was far from being a "failed state". He referred to a Time magazine article about Thailand's silk revolution which showed change need not cause violence.

"Life is not a choice between black and white [as Anand said] because the world is grey," Surapong said.

He also referred to the time when Anand took the premiership in 1992 offered by the then military junta of the National Peace Keeping Council, despite knowing the junta had overthrown Chati-chai Choonhavan's administration by coup d'etat.

However, Anand's premiership eventually improved the country. "So doing the right thing to improve the situation might not go along with the democratic line," he said.

Surapong said that despite all the different opinions, the country would find a way out of the current crisis if all parties follow a peaceful path.

"I believe the election will be the best solution to end the political stalemate and to protect our country from failing," he said.

Anand suggested a leader, without naming him, should have accountability and take responsibility.

Surapong said everybody might do wrong. "Thaksin might do something wrong but he is ready to correct it," he added.

Caretaker Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said Anand should make it clear what was behind his concerns. The government was ready to listen to all parties' opinions.

"But now we should go straight to the election and stop any idea of having a royally appointed premier under Article 7," she said.