He made the comments following reports that pressure and pro-democracy groups want to stage a mass protest on Constitution Day (December 10) at the Democracy Monument to demand the government lift martial law across the country - and hold a general election within 90 days.

Sonthi said he did not believe the protest would turn violent. "People who want to protest have their reasons. I hope they think that the country is ours then there will be no violence," he said. 

Defence Minister General Boonrawd Somtas said some of the protestors want to oust the CNS and the government because they were upset that the seizure of power was not constitutional.

Boonrawd said since the government took the courage to lift martial law, it must be ready to face the consequences. He said keeping protesters under control is the responsibility of the police and that the CNS has strong cooperation with the police - many of whom sit on the council.

Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya said protestors who planned to demonstrate in Bangkok have the right to do so but they must strictly abide by the law. "If they do everything by the law, I believe there will be no problem," he said.

Special Branch Police commissioner Lt-General Theeradej Rawdphothong yesterday said police were keeping a close watch on political undercurrents in 41 provinces where martial law has been lifted. He said some groups that have come out against the government only want to air their frustration and not to stage any further political acts and so the police are not too concerned.

Third Army Region commander Lt-General Jiradet Kacharat said the Army would not abuse their power in the provinces where martial law was still being maintained.

Jiradet said that having martial law maintained in some border provinces such as Chiang Mai has made the work of the military easier. "But we are not using the power unnecessarily," he said.