Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday that Thaksin Shinwatra, who was ousted in the September 19 coup, had telephoned him to ask about a return to Thailand.

Speaking to reporters after returning from his first official visit to Laos, Surayud said the former premier can come back because he is a Thai citizen, but there must be prior consultation about the appropriate timing.

According to Surayud, security and other issues will have to be consulted with various parties, including the National Security Council, headed by Gen Sondhi Boonyarat-kalin. "We'll have to take several issues into consideration -- not only the internal situation. My policy is to find the ways and means to end political rifts in the country," said Surayud.

Meanwhile, a source at Thai Rak Thai party said that Thaksin, who is living in London, had been monitoring the political situation in Thailand very closely via Sudarat Keyuraphan, a deputy TRT leader, and other senior party members.

So far, about 100 former MPs and executive members of the party, including Thaksin, had tendered his resignation from the TRT.

The TRT source said the new government headed by Gen Surayud might repeal the TRT's populist policies such as the Bt30-per-visit universal healthcare programme, the legalised underground lottery programme and the elite card programme for tourism promotion.

In addition, Gen Surayud, a former army chief, also paid a courtesy visit to the grass-root population in several northeastern provinces such as Buriram and Udon Thani.

The TRT source said these areas were previously the TRT strongholds supervised by Newin Chidchob and Prommin Lertsuridej.

 Overall, the interim government was trying to undermine the TRT's  popularity. The source said this could backfire and enhance the TRT's chances of a comeback at the next general election.

"Former party leader Thaksin Shinawatra has given instructions via Sudarat to keep tabs on how the interim government is undoing populist policies," the source said.

The source claimed Thaksin remained confident of a comeback because he anticipated the sympathy of his constituents.

Party deputy spokesman Jatuporn Phromphan added that the trip to the Northeast by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was designed to dismantle the TRT strongholds. "We'll strive for reconciliation and refrain from confrontation," Jatuporn said, adding it would tolerate the Surayud government for one year and no longer.

He attacked the ban against political activity, suggesting military leaders appeared to be cracking down on political parties but allowing pressure groups to campaign freely.