Thamarak said he was willing to forgive and withhold punishment if five senior military officers would apologise for questioning him about political meddling.

"I am ready to meet and work out a settlement on the matter," Thamarak said.

The five officers, led by Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, deputy permanent secretary for Defence, openly criticised Thamarak for bowing down to political pressure when dispensing military assignments.

In retaliation, Thamarak ordered a disciplinary review against four officers and threatened to slap a military criminal charge against Bannawit.

Aides from rival camps have started to arrange a truce meeting between the minister and the five officers, defence officials said.

The Nation