The leaders of Thailand's bloodless coup on Monday night, which ousted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have assured the public that their action is temporary and to facilitate political reform.

'The council has no intention to run the country by itself and will return power under the constitutional monarchy to the people as soon as possible,' Thai army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin promised in a televised address.

Four other leaders of the Political Reform Council that seized power flanked him.

The Council has declared a national holiday on Tuesday and appointed the country's four regional army chiefs as executive heads of their regions with power over civil servants.

The coup leaders have called a meeting of top bureaucrats, business leaders and diplomats based in Bangkok to explain the situation and give them future directions.

The Thai Army earlier said there was social division like never before in the society.

'Each side has been trying to conquer another with all possible means and the situation tends to intensify with growing doubts on the administration amid widespread reported corruption,' a statement issued by the military reform council said.

The state units and independent organisations have been politically meddled, not able to deliver their services as specified in the Constitution, it added.

The army further said the administration is also usually bordering on L�se majest� (an offence committed against a reigning sovereign or the State) actions against the revered King and despite attempts from social units for compromises, there is no way to end the conflicts.