General Saprang Kalayanamitr, the Council for National Security (CNS) secretary, also denied rifts in the junta. Rumours of a split were being circulated by those whose interests were damaged by the coup, he said.

In an interview aired by Channel 9 on Monday night, Saprang made it clear politicians could not plunder the country if they wanted to ensure a sustainable democracy.

He said despite his fiery criticisms of politicians, he harboured no grudges against any individuals, although he would not tolerate misconduct.

"When they get to know me, individual politicians should know that I respect them for their role and sacrifice as the people's representatives," he said, noting he attacked only those who had abused their offices for self-gain.

Saprang said there was no infighting in the CNS and that council chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin understood him and knew he had no ambitions about seizing power.

"Rumour-mongers have tried to link me to a possible follow-up coup - this is basic psychology warfare to sow distrust between [Sonthi] and me," he said.

"My superiors will decide whether I should be promoted as I have no intention of depriving others of the honours and positions they've earned."

Saprang said vested interests ousted by the coup were responsible for the December 31 blasts.

"The authorities will get to the bottom of the eight bombings and I am confident that no one will try to fix the outcome of the investigation," he said.

Some leading politicians deposed in the coup had denied involvement but he remained convinced others wanted to build up leverage to protect their interests.

He dismissed speculation the CNS staged the attacks in order to retain power. The CNS already held the reins and there was no justification for violence.

On his ties to General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Saprang said he did not regret the bickering with the former prime minister's aides because he had never made any negative comments about his former boss.

He said he was a professional soldier and not anyone's crony. He rejected accusations he had sought a personal favour from Chavalit to elevate him to the rank of major general in 1997.