"I believe my staying on in the job will benefit the people as I can help ensure the completion of the constitution draft and the subsequent referendum," he said.

Surayud spoke about his government's performance and pressure for him to quit in an interview to newswoman Fongsanan Chamornchan on the "Poed Baan Phitsanulok" programme aired by staterun Channel 11 at 8.30am. Yesterday was the first broadcast of the programme, in which the government will update the public on its work and field questions from callers.

Surayud said he understood why some pressure groups wanted to oust him, though he would not single out the ulterior motives behind each group.

"I am not surprised that each group has its vested interests and own agenda," he said, hinting that the demand for his departure was a pretext for lobbying for certain interests.

"I can say this [to my critics] - I am willing to listen to and review [any demands], but my decision might not conform to their views," he said.

He conceded that he sensed sporadic pressure for him to quit though he would not bow down to it.

"My last straw on this issue would happen strictly in accordance with rules laid down by the 2006 Interim Constitution as I have always been trained to follow the rules," he said in reference to a provision that the junta could dismiss him.

Surayud said he viewed the demands for his resignation by certain retired soldiers who are now in the National Legislative Assembly as reflecting individual views and not linked to the armed forces.

He said he would strive to serve the public at large although he would not completely ignore demands linked to vested interests.

"I mean that, before I act on anything, I have to review the justification for each demand," he said.

Rebutting criticism of the lukewarm performance of his Cabinet, he said his ministers spent their first three months in office on coming up with the new budget and another three months screening projects linked to the ousted government.

After sorting the mess caused by the political turmoil, his ministers started to churn out achievements, he said.

Surayud singled out good performances by his top ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram for salvaging the country's image following the coup.

He commended Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras, in charge economic affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattasiritham, in charge of social affairs.

He also praised the work of the Education, Natural Resources and Environment, Labour, and Tourism and Sports ministries.