In his interviews with foreign media, Thaksin earlier called for talks with the junta’s government to end the political crisis. He also accused the government of jeopardising the economy by retaining its power after the election. The drafted constitution would limit the elected government, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn insisted that the government, as a law enforcement agency, would not be in the position to talk with a person who ran away from prosecution.

On the constitution, Tanasak said every citizen has the right to express their opinion but the constitution drafters are mature enough to choose the best things for the country.

Government spokesman Maj- General Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday warnedThaksin not to be arrogant as he has been prosecuted. “[His] request is unacceptable”, adding, “he is trying to stay above the law”.

Thaksin also proposed the government consult with all concerned parties for constitution drafting in order to have an acceptable one.

Sansern said “It is impossible for the manager of the Chelsea soccer team to invite Manchester City to jointly plan for the match. The drafting constitution to combat corruption would not bring in corrupt politicians and give them some concessions.”

National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesperson Colonel Winthai Suwaree said Thaksin’s comment toward the draft constitution was just an opinion.Thaksin is concerned the draft will give power to a military-installed government and limited the power of the elected government.

Noppadon Pattama, former foreign minister and Thaksin legal advisor, argued thatThaksin cares about Thailand and the next generations and the ex-PM is just “a mouse” and is not attempting to ruin the country.

United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship chairman Jatuporn Prompan told The Nation that the government should listen to Thaksin as he is a Thai who wants to see the country move forward. But now it seems the government turned down his suggestions, he said.

Thaksin was sentenced for two years imprisonment for allowing his wife to buy land from a state auction years ago while he was in the office before the coup in 2006. Once Thaksin entered the legal process, it would be fine to begin talks for the country’s sake”, Democrat Party deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon said yesterday.

“Thaksin took this critical time to play political games”, Director of Rangsit University’s Thailand Reform Institute Suriyasai Katasila said yesterday. Since former premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who is Thaksin’s sister, was walking on a tightrope it is the prime time for him to call for negotiation, he said.