Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin also said the CNS had solved the country's crisis with the coup last September when people needed somebody to restore order to society. It then passed on the mission to the government.

Yesterday was the first time the CNS had met the Cabinet instead of just the prime minister alone.

"He [Sonthi] stressed the CNS was not looking over the government, as the CNS had no authority over it," Yongyuth said and added, "The CNS chairman said the government and the CNS had to walk hand in hand to make people confident."

He said PM Surayud Chulanont had said the government would see what information they could use from the discussion to solve people's problems. Everybody had a part to play in solving the problems.

According to Yongyuth, Surayud said the current government might be more democratic than some elected governments. However, he wanted independent organisations to cooperate and exchange information and ideas with the government and the CNS.

Yongyuth said Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras had noted gradual improvement in the economy by recognising the connection between provinces, districts, tambons and communities. At the same time, the government was also close to people.

CNS assistant secretary-general, General Saprang Kalayanamitr said the Internal Security Operations Command must give full support to the work of government officials and honesty was the government's strength.

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang last week called for a government investigation into Saprang's Bt7-million overseas trip as chairman of Airports of Thailand and some of the authority's delegates.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said the Cabinet and the CNS were constitutionally important and should meet regularly. Both wanted the constitution drafting to go smoothly. They should work together to make people understand and approve the new charter.

At the moment, Thirapat said, the drafting process was on schedule and should be finished in time.

PM's Office Minister Prasith Kowilaikul said the CNS told the government to get updated information about people's opinions and improve its public relations. "We accept the Cabinet members work with all their heart but they are poor at public relations," he said.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation