Abhisit said yesterday he believed recent accusations levelled at Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont were just the beginning.

"Such fighting will be more fierce next year," he said.

Surayud has been accused of encroaching on a forest reserve in Nakhon Ratchasima. He has said he would resign if it was found that he acquired the 20rai plot for a home illegally, and return the land.

Abhisit did not believe the allegation against Surayud would cost him his job. He said the prime minister had been open and sincere about how he acquired the land.

"So far the prime minister has accepted that he will be examined. Society should give politicians who welcome checks and balances a chance,'' he said.

Abhisit believed Surayud had not abused his power to buy the land, adding that state agencies needed to make better checks on land transactions. "I don't believe Surayud intended to encroach on land. He has been open and straightforward, which is his style,'' he said.