The capital is once again abuzz with rumours of a possible coup as caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be out of the country for quite some time.

However, Army Commander-in-Chief General Sonthi Boon-yaratglin was quick to pour cold water over yesterday's rumours in a bid to avoid aggravating the rift between the Army and the government.

"We must not suspect each other but stay firm. Don't believe in rumours that might destroy our unity. Please be assured that we will try to maintain the country's stability. The military will remain patient," he said.

Sonthi said the military would from now on have to be careful with each and every movement. "Last night there was a troop movement of the Fourth Cavalry Battalion following its training and this was look-ed at with suspicion," Sonthi said.

Asked about the motives behind those who are spreading the coup rumour, the general said: "It is disinformation, a signal sent out to say 'I know what you are up to'," he added. Coup rumours have periodically emerged during this time of growing political tension.

Thaksin's opponents would try to prevent an election out of fear that the premier would make a comeback.

Thaksin has also realised that his chances of returning to power are very slim. He is pondering the right time to announce his decision about taking a break from politics. But he is afraid that once he is out of power, the new government might go after him and seize his family's assets.

Meanwhile, there is some indication that Thaksin would likely stay abroad for a while during this time of heightened tension.

After attending the Asia-Europe Summit in Helsinki, he has travelled to London to stay with his daughter. He has written a letter from Helsinki to members of the Thai Rak Thai Party and to the Thai people in general to inform them about his participation in the summit.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said yesterday Thaksin would be writing periodic letters to the Thai people and Thai Rak Thai members in the course of his foreign trips.

"He might write three to four letters a month," Surapong said. Judging from Surapong's comment, it appears that Thaksin is likely to stay abroad for an extended period. The PM is scheduled to travel to Cuba and New York next.

A political source in the Thai Rak Thai camp said Thaksin's decision to stay abroad for an extended period would help deter a military coup at home. Anybody who stages a coup would be branded a traitor against the Constitution, while Thaksin would immediately gain the upper hand, he said.

Once the political mood shifts, Thaksin would announce his decision to take a break. The political source also said there were three candidates for the premiership - Dr Somkid Jatusripitak, Dr Surakiart Sathirathai and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Since Thaksin would like to continue to have a say in Thai politics, Sudarat is seen as the most likely candidate for premier if Thaksin were to take a back seat during the period of political reform which is likely to follow the election, the source added.

A military strategist said it was very difficult to stage a coup, especially with constant rifts among top military leaders.

Thaksin's classmates, who attended the Armed Forces Academy Preparatory School, are now in key military positions and are ready to defend Thaksin with counter-attacks.