So far General Anupong is backing Mr Samak, who shrewdly built bridges with the army chief.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

Some PAD demonstrators are liberals protesting at the abuses of power under Mr Thaksin and Mr Samak.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

The king granted Mr Samak an audience over the weekend but no details have emerged of what was said.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

One, discussed by Mr Samak's cabinet this week, is a referendum on whether the public supports the government or the PAD.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

Mr Sondhi hinted in a newspaper interview that if Mr Samak stepped down he might accept another PPP figure as prime minister.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

Among those given a 15-year term were the leading policeman on trial, General Essam Samak, former chief of security in Port Said, and a second police official, Mohamed Saad, state media said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Since taking office Mr Samak has welcomed a proposal to disarm civilians and some soldiers and police in the south, but slapped down a minister who talked of giving the region autonomy.

ECONOMIST: A former prime minister returns