Chavalit said the Third Force was set up three years ago and includes 21 ethnic hill tribes, the poor, Southerners and insurgents who surrendered their weapons.

“The way we stage our movement is to educate the people to help fight poverty.

“If there are clashes, the Third Force would mediate peacefully,” he said.

At a press conference at his residence, Chavalit said the timing of the conference had nothing to do with ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s recent criticism of the junta.

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Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd questioned if it was possible a group like the Third Power could solve conflicts. “Who has conflicts with whom? The government has no conflict with anyone. Such a move is actually the government’s duty,” he said.

Chavalit said he left the Thaksin camp after Thaksin told him he planned to introduce “Shindawong” – the uniting of the Shinawatra, Damapong and Wongsawat clans as a political camp.

“I disapproved of the move so I quit,” he said.

He dismissed speculation he was trying to help bring Thaksin back to Thailand because the country is still in conflict, saying doing so would be beyond his ability.

Chavalit said he did not work for anyone and had not been financed by anyone or acted on an order from anyone.

“I always respect Privy Council chief General Prem Tinsulanonda,” he said.

“I desperately would like to meet him but I dare not because I was told that he does not want to meet politicians. I am not a politician.” Chavalit said he wished to see democracy in Thailand and end political conflicts.

“Because no country can become rich if it is under a dictatorship … The constitution is important but the people’s wish is democracy. True democracy is when the people have the power,” he said.

Chavalit said he did not mind if senators were not directly elected but they must not side with a particular political camp.

He had no problem with a constitution with special mechanisms.

Chavalit said although he no longer served the country, he always thought it was his responsibility to bring about peace.