"The CNS agreed unanimously that it had no reservations if a clause recognising Buddhism as the state religion was put into the 2007 Constitution," he said.

Sansern said the council had no intention of interfering in the drafting of the constitution.

He was speaking after a meeting of CNS executives, including deputy chairman Air Force Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk, Supreme Commander General Boonsang Niampradit, Navy Commander-in-Chief Sathi-raphan Keyanond and former police chief General Kowit Watana.

Defence permanent secretary General Winai Pattiyakul, CNS chairman General Sonthi Boon-yaratglin's aides General Sprang Kalayanamitr and General Anupong Paochinda, attended the meeting.

Sansern said the CNS was unconcerned about inequality in society if a religion clause was included because "all religions teach people to be good", he said.

The CNS's position was not the result of pressure from monks campaigning for a state religion, he said.

The Metropolitan Police will deploy about 200 anti-riot police and cooperate with 35 "religious inspectors" to keep the peace on Friday in front of Parliament, the rallying site to demand the declaration of Buddhism as the state religion.

"Security will increase at Parliament and nearby areas in order to prevent a third party from inciting the peaceful demonstration into violence," Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Adisorn Nonsi said yesterday.

Adisorn said he expected a crowd of 10,000 monks and their followers to participate in the planned rally.

About 20 Buddhist advocacy groups have called for the inclusion of a clause on state religion in the new constitution. The groups convened yesterday's press conference to outline their plans for the rally.

Ahead of the rally, about 200,000 monks and devotees will gather today and tomorrow at Buddha Monthon, a religious park in Nakhon Pathom.

"Buddhist monks and devotees are making a rightful demand for just one clause on the due recognition of Buddhism," protest organiser Phra Dhammakittimethee said.

He said Section 2 of the Constitution Draft should be revised to declare Buddhism as the state religion.

The original draft reads: "Thailand adopts a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State". The revised version should read: "Thailand adopts a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State and Buddhism as the state religion".

Phra Sriyansophon said the adoption of Buddhism as the state religion would not lead to religious divisiveness as Buddhism had never infringed on other religions.

He said the state religion would be the national guidance to instil morals.

Meanwhile the CNS has expressed concerns security problems could hurt the economy.

Sansern said the council was told exports were improving, but while the economy was generally good it could be better without political disturbances and ill-intentioned parties seeking to generate splits.

The CNS remains unconcerned about the PTV rallies, he added.

It was more important to inform people of what the government was doing and how the country was performing so they could make up their own minds to protest or not, he said.

"The CNS sends officials to take care of rally venues. Officers are instructed to be patient and obey the law. We are confident there will be no violence," he said.

Soldiers were prepared to control clashes, he added.

Panya Thiewsangwan,

Sirirat Jinaket

The Nation