Samak critical of media for taking sides with 'roadside gang'

"The reason I have been at odds with the mass media is that these people have a poor sense of judgement. They don't know what to do and what not to do," he said.

Samak said "the roadside gang's" ongoing rally was caused by their persistent hatred of "the person they want to be expelled but who has managed to come back to stay here".

"They took to the street because the hatred is not gone. I became labelled a nominee, so they also target me," said the prime minister, referring to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

"I want to ask if they know that what they are doing is causing much damage to the country. The country is in ruins because they don't forgive and let it go," Samak said.

He was speaking to a gathering of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) at the Army Club. About 400 people attended the meeting, including Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, and Defence Ministry permanent secretary General Winai Patthiyakul.

Samak, in his capacity as Isoc director, said he would not use his powers as the powerful agency's chief to deal with the matter.

"I am patient enough. I will wait and see," he said.

"In case of any unruly incident, the police will immediately come out to respond. I will not have soldiers come out. It's not time yet," the PM said.

Samak said if he had to make an important decision about the matter, he would first consult with senior military and police leaders, as well as the public.

After the meeting, Samak gave a Buddha amulet to each of the participants, saying it was a gift to friends.

He declined to answer a reporter's question about whether he would be working at Government House today, when the PAD has threatened to surround the compound.