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In response, Mr Samak insisted that he did not order the closure of newspapers when he was appointed interior minister immediately after the uprising. He contended he did exactly the opposite, sitting on a five-member committee set up ''to open newspapers'' on the orders of the National Administration Reform Council, which staged a coup following the massive civil unrest.

''It was I who pushed for the reopening of newspapers that were closed. I disagreed with the newspaper closures,'' Mr Samak said.

He pointed out he was not the interior minister at the time of the uprising. He took the job on Oct 22, 1976 and was never linked to the violent suppression of the student movement on Oct 6.

''I swear that I did not have any links to the Oct 14 [quashing of the democracy uprising in 1973] and Oct 6 incidents,'' Mr Samak said.

At one point in his speech, Mr Samak indicated that Mr Abhisit, as the opposition leader, was too young and may not have enough experience.

He said Mr Abhisit might not have full information about events of Oct 6 and suggested he ask Democrat chief adviser Chuan Leekpai to brief him.

Mr Chuan responded: ''I cannot give the answers because at that time I was fleeing because I was accused of being a communist.''

''Mr Samak should accept the fact that when the Oct 6 coup took place, newspapers were closed although they were allowed to reopen later,'' he said.

insisted - kept saying very firmly that something is true, even when other people will not believe you
contended - claimed that something is true
staged - organised and carried out
coup (d'etat) - the seizure of power by a small group of people, usually members of the armed forces
suppression - to stop opposition or protest using military force or strict laws
swear - to make a sincere statement that you are telling the truth
links - connections
quashing - using force or violence to stop the political action taking by a group of people
brief - to give someone information about a situation, especially officially
fleeing - escaping from a dangerous situation or place