Trying to play down the impact of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's high-profile publicity campaign in international media in recent days, Thailand's prime minister Surayud Chulanont said the Thai public would not be misled by Thaksin's comments.

Surayud, who was installed by the military after a bloodless coup in September to oust Thaksin, was quoted by the Thai News Agency on Sunday that his government was not worried about high- profile interviews and media appearances of Thaksin who lives abroad in self-imposed exile.

The prime minister insisted that Thai people had sound judgment and would exercise their critical mind in such a matter.

"Thai people are fully aware of the facts. We are on the side of truth and honesty," said Surayud.

The Foreign Ministry of Thailand has been asked to clarify the government's stance regarding Thaksin to foreign media.

Surayud denied press reports that the government planned to hold a consultation with the coup maker, the Council for National Security (CNS), about what to do with the former prime minister.

The interim government has more important issues at hand than Thaksin, the premier added.

Surayud's comment follows Thaksin's latest interview in the US- based Time Magazine in which he claims that he still has considerable support among the people. He has again tried in the article to clear himself of corruption allegations and blasted the CNS for overthrowing his administration.

"Thaksin is only part of the problem. More important is how Thais can work together towards unity and stability to ensure successful elections. It's more critical than any personality issues," Surayud stressed.

Thaksin's legal adviser told reporters Saturday in Bangkok that the former prime minister planned to give interviews to several more TVs and newspapers.

Source: Xinhua