The former opposition parties and leaders of street protesters on Tuesday both rejected the plan by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara to form a reconciliation commission to try to end the division in the country.

The main opposition Democrat Party rejected the offer, saying it no longer believes the prime minister.

Media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, who speaks for the People's Alliance for Democracy and its street protests, described the offer made during a TV appearance Monday night as another attempt by the prime minister to maintain his grip on power.

Sondhi said the public rally scheduled for Friday afternoon at Makhawan Bridge is still on.

"The prime minister just wants to find ways to stay in power by finding new marketing strategies and new products," said Democrat Party spokesman Ong-Art Klampaiboon.

In addition to the critics and the street rallies, there also will be a blizzard of court cases and lawsuits over the election and other matters.

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2006)