The country faces political chaos if the government allows ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return - because he could be assassinated, respected intellectual Prawase Wasi yesterday warned.

"If Thaksin returns, there will be a violent clash. Soldiers will not let Thaksin live if they believe Thaksin is the cause of the chaos and his presence is a threat to the country's institutions. They will kill him. If soldiers want to kill anyone they can because they are competent at using arms," Prawase said.

Dr Prawase said if Thaksin died, the country could be in for endless trouble and protests because the former PM had both people who loved and hated him.

"The best prevention is not to let him in. If his return could lead to chaos, even though he has the right to return, the government should not allow it," he said.

Council for National Security (CNS) chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin yesterday denied rumours that he would stage another coup to settle conflicts among his subordinates.

Rumours spread throughout Wednesday that CNS assistant secretary General Saprang Kalayamitr, who has been seen as the strongest hardliner

in the CNS, had been shot dead.

Sonthi denied that some of his military men had changed their allegiance after being offered huge sums of money.

"Rumours are rumours. We are checking them. That's why I said that if Thaksin comes back, we have to take certain precautions," he said.

However, Sonthi did not deny another rumour that he had proposed the government order a curfew on Wednesday.

He said: "It is the role of the government to announce a curfew, not the CNS. When a situation gets out of control, the CNS has to notify the government.

But if we propose this measure, the government must quickly announce it. The government may have already made preparations for such measures."

Sonthi said if Thaksin wanted to return, he had to notify the CNS so it could provide him with security. The junta chief had said earlier Thaksin's life could be in danger if he returns.

Prawase also warned the CNS and Thaksin's supporters that if either side started using violence, they would end up being the loser.

"Society will not side with those who use violence. The CNS must make sure security officials never use arms to disperse protesters," he warned.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will discuss the situation of the rally planned for today (Friday) and tomorrow with security officials.

Around 20,000 people are expected to attend the anti-coup rally at Sanam Luang.

The premier has assigned security and inteligence agencies to follow the demonstration because he is concerned a third party will create trouble during the march.