The PAD also warned of rising tensions if the new government continued to welcome individuals associated with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group called on interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to heed the lesson of Somkid's appointment and avoid making further controversial decisions involving the Thaksin regime before consulting the public.

"By a unanimous decision of its five members, the PAD is opposed to Somkid's appointment, which it views as cause for social division," PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said.

Suriyasai said Somkid's track record would trigger confusion over the government's policy direction.

Somkid was the key proponent of "Thaksinomics", which he said was the opposite of the sufficiency economy theory. Somkid was also linked to a graft inquiry relating to the rubber sapling scandal, he said.

"Somkid has never shown any remorse for his involvement in the Thaksin regime nor his role in the free-trade negotiations with China and Australia, which triggered many negative impacts for the country," Suriyasai said.

PAD member Sondhi Limthongkul said he did not approve Somkid's comeback, as suggested in the press.

"I haven't met with Somkid for more than two years, yet some newspapers skewed their reports to depict my blessing for him," Sondhi said.

Sondhi said Somkid exploited him in order to return to the political limelight.

PAD member Somkiart Pongpaiboon said Somkid was a two-faced politician, who pretended to advocate sufficiency economy while supporting instead populist policies, as advocated by the previous regime.

In its statement, the PAD vowed to continue exerting pressure until its demand for Somkid's resignation was met.

However, Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said the clash of views over Somkid's appointment would dissipate.

"I don't anticipate street protests against Somkid to happen like the anti-Thaksin rallies last year," he said.

Sonthi dismissed speculation that events leading to the Sept 19 coup would happen once again. "I don't think I am ready for another power seizure," he said.

The Nation