"Even though Thaksin may not have an ulterior motive, his ongoing tour of China, Hong Kong and Singapore has triggered wild spec¬ulation, inflaming the fragile situation," he said.

Banharn said Thaksin should come to terms with political reality and should consider retirement instead of harbouring hopes for a comeback by contesting the next general election.

He also said the international community would not see Thailand as a pariah because of martial law.

"As prime minister, I attended several international meetings, including two Apec summits, and know that foreign leaders will not interfere with domestic politics," he said, adding that his party had not felt any impact from martial law.

Supreme Commander General Boonsarng Niumpradit said the authorities had to be sure about political stability before ending martial law, and it should happen soon - although not as early as many have speculated.

"The situation has not been completely normalised - though this is not a serious concern, the review of the enforcement of mar¬tial law will not happen until things return to normal," he said.

The Nation