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There has been a subtle shift in responses by the prime minister. Although Samak Sundaravej remains scornful and sarcastic towards the PAD, he has toned down his red-hot remarks a notch in order to be seen as less confrontational.

Samak said on Sunday that he would avoid picking on the PAD, exercise restraint and be tolerant. In almost the same breath, he also sneered at the PAD's ulterior motive in opposing a rewrite of the constitution - the fear of seeing street protests curtailed.

The government has signalled that its passive-aggressive reactions are designed for a war of attrition to outwit and outlast the PAD. A prolonged struggle is inevitable, as all past efforts for a quick defeat have failed.

A publicity campaign proved ineffective in undermining the ratings of ASTV, the main mouthpiece of the PAD. Police were like a paper tiger when dealing with well-organised protests. And litigation could not put an end to their protests.

Hence, it is no surprise that Samak has switched to a new tactic - to bide his time and wait for the PAD to wither away.

With the government fully committed to amend the constitution and the PAD equally determined to fight any rewrite, Samak looks to be preparing for a showdown.

The upcoming charter debate will be based on bipartisan recommendations from the House panel in charge of studying the enforcement of charter provisions. This situation was designed to prevent the government being the sole target in the PAD's firing line.

The debate is expected to touch on many issues in order to blur the true intentions behind changing the political system. The amendment process will be done in gradual steps so as to prevent a build-up of massive opposition.

Samak made a calculated decision to appoint Kovit Watana as deputy prime minister and interior minister. Kovit is a veteran with a successful track record in handling PAD-led protests. His low-key style may be more suitable under current circumstances than the high profile of his predecessor Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Most importantly he is a non-partisan figure who is well connected and has the clout to become a caretaker leader should a political accident happen to Samak.

Samak brought in Kovit under a scenario similar to when former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra groomed Chidchai Vanasatidya as his deputy.

Kovit is expected to mount sufficient resistance to drag the PAD down, hence giving the government a fighting chance to survive and push through the constitutional amendments.

The government's trump card to counter the PAD is the 116-day campaign to promote national unity, commencing August 10, as part of the celebrations of the royal birthdays of Their Majesties.

The PAD is obliged to dismantle its rally stage for at least three days during the lead-up to events for the Queen's birthday on August 12.

Events are scheduled to take place in the capital and around the country up till His Majesty's birthday on December 5.

The Royal Plaza is the designated venue for many events. This will certainly impact on the PAD's rally site at Makawan Rangsan Bridge.

If the charter debate com?mences after August 18, as has been planned, the PAD will find itself in a dilemma of laying siege at Parliament.

The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall will host an arts exhibition to honour Her Majesty, so police will have ready justification to ban mass protests in the vicinity of such events held in honour of the royals.

Even though the PAD may be able to find a way around Royal Plaza to rally at Parliament, the site would have to be scaled down and organisers would not be able to hold as many protesters as they might have hoped.

His leadership may be down for a count but Samak remains in the fight for the long haul.