"If problems are not solved, he has to find new solutions or replace those who cannot solve the problems," Suthep said.

Surayud also needs to crack down on those funding anti-government groups before social rifts widen beyond the point they can be bridged, Suthep said. He said groups that had lost power were orchestrating a four-pronged strategy to topple the government.

They are trying to convince the public that the government lacks legitimacy, accusing it of incompetence, mobilising anti-government forces and preparing to return like a white knight to rescue the country, he said.

Suthep, however, praised Surayud's decision not to order a state of emergency and his announcement of a date for the next election.

"These two things show his leadership is what the country needs," he said.