Published: 7/08/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban admits the government has failed in its bid for national reconciliation as controversy over the pro-Thaksin movement's royal pardon bid heats up.

Mr Suthep, who oversees national security, yesterday said the reconciliation effort seemed to have failed as neither side was willing to cooperate with the other. Each was obsessed with hatred and the desire to fuel social and political divisions.

The deputy prime minister said he expected "no political accident" arising from the political situation as the government has handled the situation with utmost care.

His comments came as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship repeated its determination to seek a royal pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra despite the fierce opposition.

Defence permanent secretary Apichart Penkitti yesterday said the red shirts should end their move for a pardon for Thaksin as it was inappropriate and did not comply with the law.

Gen Apichart said he had discussed the matter with the armed forces chiefs and the military would explain the pardon petition to the public.

The Justice Ministry should also explain the legal procedures related to the pardon request, he said.

Former prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon yesterday also called on the UDD to end its move, saying the campaign could be viewed as improper for bothering His Majesty the King.

Gen Suchinda, who is known to be close to Thaksin, made his call during his 76th birthday celebrations at his home on Soi Ranong 2.

Core UDD leader Veera Musikhapong said about 1,500 representatives of the group would submit the petition to the Royal Household Bureau on Aug 17, when about 100,000 red shirts were expected to rally at Sanam Luang.

Natthawut Saikua, another UDD leader, said UDD leaders were willing to go to jail if any signatures they collected were found to have been falsified.