The outspoken ex-MP for Nakhon Ratchasima, a strong defender of ousted Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said he wanted to report to the Army to show sincerity - and to dispel rumours some politicians were urging the public to create trouble.

The Second Army looks after the Northeast region.

Suporn said although he had a close relationship with Thaksin, the country must come first, and he was ready to cooperate with the CDRM.

He insisted that he and other Nakhon Ratchasima politicians including Suwat Liptapanlop, a key figure, still have close ties, even though they no longer hold any political positions.

Meanwhile, the Thai Rak Thai party was prepared to follow the military's orders, executive member Veera Musigapong said.

"However," he said, "it seems that Thais are still enjoying having their pictures taken standing next to tanks and giving the soldiers flowers. But older people still believe if a child in any country likes playing with tanks and guns it means it is a Kali Yuga [Iron Age] country," Veera said.  Party deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan said the CDRM administration should be set up on a basis of equality.

He also warned the council to learn from the National Peace-keeping Council (NPKC) which overthrew the Chatichai government in February 1991. If it followed the NPKC path, the CDRM would end up acting in the same manner, he warned.