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Published on October 28, 2007

He said the government would maintain strict neutrality. "I will end my 'Poed Baan Phitsanulok' programme next week because campaigning has started," he said in reference to his weekly address.

The airtime will be used by the commission to raise awareness of the general election.

Surayud said government officials would pass on complaints about campaign offences to the commission and the police for action, while informants would enjoy protection.

"I recommend tips be made by telephone in order to ensure anonymity," he said.

He urged political parties to win votes with policies, not underhanded tactics.

Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) has yet to decide how best to scale down areas under martial law ahead of the December 23 election.

The Cabinet last week instructed the NSC to review the enforcement on a district-by-district basis to minimise the areas within the 27 provinces still under martial law. The number of provinces has already been reduced from 35.

Security officials said the Army cited new developments in border districts that, if placed under martial law, will increase the provinces affected to 31, although the total areas would not change significantly.

The NSC is unlikely to finalise its recommendations before Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin yesterday announced that his "Khuikab Apirak" (Talk to Governor Apirak) radio show, aired every Wednesday night, would be suspended in order to avoid conflict of interest during the election.

The Nation