Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, head of the security council, expressed concern on Monday about the volatile political situation caused by certain pressure groups acting like a political undercurrent to exert undue influence.

    "The situation has not been completely normalized and authorities are closely monitoring the unfolding events," he said.

    In light of the political volatility, the time was not right for deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra to return, Sonthi was quoted by The Nation as saying.

    The CNS and the interim government would have to hold a joint meeting before giving a green light for Thaksin to return, he said.

    Thaksin said in an interview broadcast on iTV on Monday that he would not be returning to Thailand in the near future. Speaking from his posh London apartment, the ex-PM said he wanted a rest.

    General Winai Phattiyakul, the CNS secretary general, said Thaksin should not make a hasty decision to end his exile before the lifting of martial law.

    "For the sake of peace, many concerned parties have suggested that Thaksin review the timing of his return to Bangkok carefully," Winai said.

    He also said the CNS would finalize its decision this week whether to issue a white paper on the domestic political situation. The paper, if published, will explain the Sept. 19 coup.

    Chaturon Chaisaeng, caretaker leader of Thai Rak Thai, said the party will not politicize the issue of Thaksin's homecoming. Chaturon said he would not encourage sympathizers to stage any show of force in support of the party or against its opponents.

    Problems would be solved through reason and via peaceful means, he added.