At yesterday's law seminar organised by the Thai Bar, Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai ruled out the idea of a non-elected prime minister, which he said was unacceptable even in a crisis.

In a budding democracy plagued by volatility like Thailand is facing, it is imperative to opt for an elected prime minister chosen from among members of Parliament only, he said.

"When democratic rule reaches maturity, it will then be no longer necessary to have a written provision restricting the appointment of a prime minister," he said.

He said if charter writers allowed leeway for a non-elected prime minister to assume office, politics might be susceptible to outside pressure to gain power without having to undergo the electoral process.

"I don't think it's wise to pin our hopes on a non-elected prime minister as a political saviour," he said, adding that non-elected office holders were not obliged to address the plight of constituents.

Thai Rak Thai Party executive Pongthep Thepkanchana said in case of a crisis on leadership, there should be a referendum to allow people to choose a new prime minister.

The referendum-installed prime minister could be an individual without a party's banner who would be tasked to overcome the crisis, Pongthep said.

Thammasat University rector Surapon Nitikraipot said a written constitutional provision for a non-elected prime minister would be an open invitation for future military intervention.

"Thailand will see endless coups if the new constitution sanctions a non-elected prime minister," Surapon said.

He urged charter writers to focus on repairing the collapsed system of checks and balances, instead of acting suspiciously as if they were trying to help coup leaders to hold on to power.

Meanwhile, The Council for National Security (CNS) yesterday dismissed speculation that it was behind an attempt to grant amnesty to coup leaders.

"I think the idea of an amnesty reflects the good intentions of charter writers and I thank you, although we believe that we did the right thing," CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said in reference to the September coup.

Sonthi said he did not push for the amnesty, adding he was not qualified to offer a legal opinion whether the new constitution should grant him and the CNS immunity from future litigations.

He also repeated his denial that he might extend his term as Army commanderinchief following his mandatory retirement in September.

"The term extension is inappropriate, hence it should not be done," he said, answering a question about his future.

Thai Rak Thai Party acting leader Chaturon Chaisang said the amnesty for coup leaders was a bad idea as it would compound the problems plaguing democratic rule.

"The amnesty for military intervention is against the rule of law because it encourages trampling on the country's highest law," Chaturon said.

National Legislative Assembly member Akapol Sorasuchart said the amnesty, if deemed necessary, should be enacted as an act of Parliament instead of a basic law.