Gen Surayud said: "I simply told the reporter that I would, as in the past, I have talked with Thaksin several times."
"My answer does not mean that I want to be a mediator in any future talks [between Thaksin and the government]," the former prime minister said, adding that his message was misinterpreted by the media.
Gen Surayud also stated that as a privy councillor, he has no duty or authority to mediate any talks on reconciliation, but the government does.
Media coverage on Gen Surayd's offer as mediator sparked criticism among many parties.
The Abhisit Vejjajiva government rejected the offer, citing that no talk will be held if Thaksin sets conditions before entering the talks.
Gen Surayud, a former army and supreme commander, was appointed as a privy councillor to His Majesty King Bhumibol after his retirement from the army. He was later appointed as prime minister of Thailand after the bloodless coup on 19 September 2006 which ousted Mr Thaksin.
The nation's former top soldier was reappointed as privy councillor again after ending his premiership and a general election was called.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=463928
