"What I plan to talk to Thaksin about will not affect the corruption cases and the justice system. I will only talk about matters that concern my responsibility," Surayud said.

"I will not interfere in the work of the Assets Examination Committee. Actually, I had no knowledge about the move to freeze his assets."

He said it would be for the best if Thaksin were to come back and fight any graft charges laid against him and prove his innocence, adding Thaksin had not yet contacted him.

The PM said regarding possible criminal cases, Thaksin would have to come back to fight the charges and therefore the government could not ban him from returning.

"Thaksin has the right to return. I have no fear but you have to ask Thaksin if he is afraid," Surayud said.

Surayud expressed confidence the campaign by lobbyists hired by Thaksin would not affect foreign investor confidence.

He said after the Foreign Ministry had explained to foreign investors and diplomats, they understood the country was in a transition period and would move forward to a new constitution and a general election.

"Lobbyists only work as they get paid. Their campaigns do not adversely affect the country's image because foreign investors believe that Thailand is moving ahead to having an elected government," Surayud said.

The government had also been working to make grassroots people participate in the drafting of the constitution and voting in the public referendum. The Election Commission (EC) has joined forces with the Education Ministry to campaign about the public referendum among young people who are eligible voters.

He said it was possible the general election could be held earlier than December as the EC was prepared to hold the public referendum on August 19.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation