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Published on December 29, 2007

"Thaksin swore an oath before sacredness and Phra Siam Thewathirat [the country's guardian angel], pledging his undying loyalty to the monarchy and willingness to have his family condemned if he went back on his word," Noppadon said in the statement.

He said Thaksin devoted a large portion of his statement to rebutting allegations he was not a royalist.

In regards to speculation Thaksin was the puppet master behind the formation of the next government, Noppadon said People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej was in charge. Thaksin was abroad and had no involvement in politics as a result of the imposition of a five-year electoral ban imposed on him.

Thaksin's statement is seen as a reaction to the five preconditions demanded by Chart Thai and Puea Pandin to join a People Power-led coalition.

They are reverence to the monarchy; refraining from disrespect toward Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council and elder statesman; no reprisals; returning to face due process; and no meddling with the work of the Assets Examination Committee.

The Nation