That was because Thaksin and Pheu Thai believed it would be more difficult to do bring the government down once the economy picks up early next year, when they expect the government's huge stimulus package to take fruit.

Rallies planned by the red shirts next month and Pheu Thai Party chief adviser Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's proposal to form a national government were major concerns for the government.

Chavalit made headlines last week after a trip to Phnom Penh apparently aimed at discrediting and pressuring the government.

"What they are doing is to bring in enemies to dismantle their own home.

They have broadly staged the move to discredit the government and create political turmoil to try to show the government is no longer able to run the country,'' Government whip chairman Chinnaworn Bunyakiat said.

The Opposition had also tried to discredit the regime by leaking false information accusing the government of corruption in order to claim the government had lost legitimacy and could no longer function, Chinnaworn said.

During the whip meeting, Chinnaworn said the whips offered moral support for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to be strong in order to lead the country out of its economic and political problems.

He said the government must survive until February to sustain the situation.

Government whips would make recommendations to help counter the red shirts.

Part of the plan is to win support from the masses via government ministries and departments. More populist policies may be drawn up to win public support.