Foreigners Warned Of Saturday's Anti-Thaksin rally

[tettyan]

Don't get me wrong; I am fully in favour of the free market; I'm just pointing out that for some people, they get all xenophobic, so we should not be surprised about that occuring here. And yes, I agree it is ridiculous; however i raise the issues of the cases above as evidence that some pretty developed countries have done through the same challenges.

The magnitude of corruption is widely documented to be higher here and is far more pervasive - no question about that; however when I have people explaining to me how Thailand could be like Singapore with no corruption if it had a great leader like Lee and I have one American friend raising the point that in USA there is no conflict of interest because politicians have to place things in a trust and therefore cannot control companies while also in politics; well I look for evidence that this is not the case. And sadly, it seems not very hard to find! [if you can confirm that in USA there is some sort of mechanism to avoid the conflict of interest issue then I'd be interested to know how they do it; I do know that lobbying is out of control there, but I am specifically interested in for instance, how Schultz could head up Bechtel then not have a conflict of interest, or your pal Cheney with Halliburton ]

BTW I think Enron was a Clinton promoted company right? It was certainly the fraudulent years under Clinton that sealed their fate; AFAIK they lobbied both parties heavily, and it paid off with very favourable deals in USA and abroad.

Certainly, the awarding of several lucarative no-bid contracts to Haliburton left an awful taste. But I don't see how Cheney himself personally benefited from the deal. Sure, he used to be CEO of that company, but since he had to unload his shares in the company before becoming VP, I don't see any connection between them other than the fact that he used to head the company.

Like it or not, lobbying is a part of the political process in a democracy, a necessary evil if you will. If corporations hire lawyers or retired government officials to lobby politicians (as is common in advanced democracies), then that's one thing. But if the businessmen, lobbyists and political leadership are all the same people, then that's a VERY different ballgame.

[meom]

Certainly, the awarding of several lucarative no-bid contracts to Haliburton left an awful taste.

Slightly off topic but didn't those contracts go to Halliburton because it was US taxpayers money (through USAid) footing the bill and as such they did not want to award those contracts to foreign companies?

[tettyan]

Certainly, the awarding of several lucarative no-bid contracts to Haliburton left an awful taste.

Slightly off topic but didn't those contracts go to Halliburton because it was US taxpayers money (through USAid) footing the bill and as such they did not want to award those contracts to foreign companies?

Actually they were Pentagon contracts. And you're right, the official explanation is that there were no other domestic contractors that were qualified to do the work, and the only other companies in the world that could were (gasp!) French! Still, whether or not there were any improprieties going on, the Pentagon's choosing to not even go through the motions of a standard bid sure didn't make them look good.

[roamer]

Talking of demos and the policing off them, am watching live a demonstration by muslims out side the Danish Embassy in London over the publication of a satirical cartoon depicting Allah. The placards state "Europe you will pay, Bin Ladens on his way" " Massacre those who insult Islam"....you get the idea, the police are letting them hold the placards, obviously not wanting to provoke problems. But I can't help thinking that all this in a city which has so recently suffered muslim terrorist bombings is provocative to say the least. Very much doubt the Thai cops will show the same restraint tomorrow.

Wandered a little off topic here maybe.

[bulmercke]

Talking of demos and the policing off them, am watching live a demonstration by muslims out side the Danish Embassy in London over the publication of a satirical cartoon depicting Allah. The placards state "Europe you will pay, Bin Ladens on his way" " Massacre those who insult Islam"....you get the idea, the police are letting them hold the placards, obviously not wanting to provoke problems. But I can't help thinking that all this in a city which has so recently suffered muslim terrorist bombings is provocative to say the least. Very much doubt the Thai cops will show the same restraint tomorrow.

Wandered a little off topic here maybe.

roamer: " Very much doubt the Thai cops will show the same restraint tomorrow."

Sorry. Wrong. The Thai cops will show absolute restraint. Thaksin doesn't want any trouble, but in the event that things start moving against him and momentum builds, he may then throw caution to the wind and appear to have to take forcible measures to restore order! Which will, no doubt, portay him as a strong leader who can deal effectively with difficult situations in a time of adversity.....he's a clever buggger......

At the moment, even as I speak, the government and the police are doing their upmost to keep this rally as peaceful and trouble free as possible.

It's to their advantage.

[CrazyFrog]

Warning from the Embassy of Canada (Probably based on the US Warning )

An anti-Thaksin government rally is planned for Saturday February 4, 2006, in

Bangkok's Royal Plaza. Canadians should avoid locations where demonstrations

could take place.

Over 100,000 demonstrators and 3,000 police and military forces are expected to

be at the Royal Plaza, in the area of the King Rama 5

statue, Rajdamneon Avenue, near Sanam Luang and Government House. Several

groups of demonstrators are expected to gather in an anti-Thaksin rally that

will start at around 1pm. The route to be taken has not been indicated.

Although organizers expect the demonstration to be peaceful, they have indicated

they were ready for consequences if the demonstration turned to be violent.

Canadians should avoid the area of the demonstration and move away from

demonstrators if they happen to be in the path of the rally. Moving indoors,

looking for shelter and getting assistance from the police to leave the area is

recommended.

The things that we should know is that Thaksin and Bush was studying at the same place in America and that Bush Father was doing business with Thaksin.

I suspect realy a lot of secret deals between these 2 leaders!

When the War in Iraq started, Thai Army been required from USA but at wich price?

I'm sure that Bush said I will help Thailand Economy ! I will import everything and buy everything!

But now, Thai Citizens see what was the deal and they don't appreciate it!

Just an opinion!

Anyways! Each one have an opinion!

Take Care Guys!

[meom]

Maybe George should warm-up the back-up servers cause it could be a top day for TV with all the hype going on

[penzman]

Maybe George should warm-up the back-up servers cause it could be a top day for TV with all the hype going on

No worries!

We use the latest cooling technology for our systems.

[pepsi666]

there must be a bar somewhere, that will let us drink till the party (demostration) is over, then we can all get to read about it a day or so later (seems a bit like a Tottenham and Millwall match really, bound to be a shade of claret on the streets)

And as I havent been invited, I wont be going, and I'm a bit old to be a student anyway, so I guess I'll have a few beers and have an early night

of course Americans like fighting, they go anywhere for a scrap, they dont REALLY want to comeback to Asia, they came second last time

Another glib posting about what is essentially a very grave matter......obviously, there are more than a few posters on this forum who don't give an iota about anything or anyone except themselves........SAD.......

What do you expect me to do then, I have no idea of Thai politics or what the demostration is for or over, I'm a guest in Thailand, I dont have any voting privliges, I live in the UK and spend time in Thailand

What is important to Thai's is not important to me, same as VERY few Thai's are intrested in UK politics,

Get real matey

[Jai Dee]

ANTI-THAKSIN RALLY: DAY OF RECKONING

PM should be hoping that thousands of marchers don’t face the kind of violence that saw three predecessors disgraced. As Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra vows not to surrender to mounting pressure to resign, he may very well find out at the end of the day that it is not he who will decide his destiny.

The outcome of today’s rally at the Royal Plaza will almost surely dictate what will happen next in his career.

Ongoing tensions over Thak-sin have led to speculation that there are four directions in which he could head – stay on in defiance, resign in disgrace, dissolve the House or leave the country.

Developments in the Thaksin camp over the past few days have shown the prime minister believes he will survive his worst crisis since assuming power five years ago. He is striking back at media maverick Sondhi Limthongkul and other anti-Thaksin camps.

Pojaman, Thaksin’s wife, called a meeting of Thai Rak Thai Party leaders at Ban Phitsanulok (the PM’s official residence) on Wednesday to block Sondhi’s supporters.

At the meeting it was decided that the interior minister would order governors across the country to stop provincial people from joining Sondhi’s rally.

Moreover, a number of people led by TRT MPs have rallied in several provinces in support of Thaksin.

The government has opened Government House to welcome more and more people – from business people to teachers and actors – coming to show their support for Thaksin to stay on in the premiership. The premier himself has escorted them one by one.

Thaksin has been heading to his party strongholds as a tactic to regain popularity. He changed his regular schedule yesterday by going to Bangkok’s Klong Toei district, greeting local community residents and giving promises to alleviate their poverty. TRT spokesman Sita Divari held the event as he is the local MP.

As Sondhi leads today’s rally, Thaksin will be heading north to his hometown and TRT’s stronghold of Chiang Mai for a mobile Cabinet meeting. It is believed Thaksin plans to stand in front of a crowd of his supporters, who will shout words of support.

Thaksin is desperately attempting to restore the positive media coverage he enjoyed for so long as once cowed journalists start to turn the heat on him.

Thaksin has been reminding the public that the 19-million voters who supported his ruling party in the 2005 election are still alive and siding with him. He hopes their enormous support will overwhelm Sondhi’s movement and save his sinking ship.

However, all of Thaksin’s desperate attempts could be rendered meaningless if the rally ends with an eruption of violence.

Thailand’s political history shows that mass rallies that leave people dead and wounded eventually involve a government leader being forced to step down.

Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, Field Marshal Prapas Jarusathien and General Suchinda Kraprayoon are good examples of leaders who were disgraced after uprisings against their administrations ended in fatalities.

Thaksin could face the same destiny as these three should today’s rally overflow the streets and tempers flare.

If things go badly wrong, Thaksin might choose to resign. He might appoint one of his inner circle as his successor. But there would have to be serious doubts about whether the people would accept a government operating in Thaksin’s shadow.

Another possibility if the situation turns violent is that Thaksin might declare a House dissolution, which needs royal approval.

This scenario would give Thaksin a chance to come back as premier if his party again achieved a majority.

But under these circumstances, you can expect the anti-Thaksin forces to fight tooth and nail to push him out of the political scene permanently.

In the worst-case scenario, if the situation spirals way out of control, Thaksin might be left with no choice but to leave the country, possibly on the Cabinet’s new aircraft, dubbed “Air Force 1”.

So today will be Thaksin’s real test. He must be praying the rally will end peacefully.

Source: The Political Desk - The Nation - February 04, 2006

[Jai Dee]

Justice leads to peace: HM

His Majesty the King yesterday stressed the importance of solidarity among all Thais to ensure enduring statehood.

“People will have to have unity. If everybody tries to keep united with one another, the country will survive,” he said.

The King was speaking during an evening audience granted to recently appointed court judges at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

He said the country was now unstable because people were in conflict. The judges have vowed to him to treasure the country’s strengths, so he believes the country will prosper.

Justice is the key to harmony and well-being, and justice is doing what is right and virtuous. It is the duty of the judges to maintain justice, and peacefulness will prevail in society, he said.

Source: The Political Desk - The Nation - February 04, 2006

[Jai Dee]

Police expect pro-government groups to try to disrupt the rally.

Arguing that Thaksin’s leadership will drive Thailand to ruin due to rampant corruption, abuse of power and moral bankruptcy, Sondhi will petition His Majesty the King – via the chairman of the Privy Council, Prem Tinsulanonda – for the palace to install a new leader and initiate a fresh round of political reform.

Organisers say Sondhi has vowed to take the lead of the mass protest this time, with plans to stay overnight at the Royal Plaza. He will try to avoid committing the same blunder as on January 13, when some protestors suddenly stormed Government House and 40 of them were arrested for trespassing on government property. Sondhi took the blame for the mishap.

This time, Sondhi and his crew have done a better job organising the event after spending the past two weeks forming an alliance with various anti-Thaksin movements, organisers say. His soul mates include a teachers group that opposes the proposed local government takeover of schools, state-enterprise labour unions fighting privatisation, non-governmental organisations against free-trade agreements as well as some pro-democracy groups, academics and senators.

The opposition Democrat Party, the Phalang Dhamma Party, former security guru Prasong Soonsiri and Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart also belong to the anti-Thaksin coalition.

Sondhi has his backers, who follow his talk show “Thailand Weekly”. Groups of his fans from Phetchaburi, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Hat Yai arrived in Bangkok yesterday and are expected to take part in the protest today.

Many organisations have hesitated to join the crusade since they question the theme of “returning the Royal power to HM the King”. They feel that the rallying call is not realistic and Sondhi’s mass political skill is not that reliable. They also fear that confrontation could turn into violence.

The rally plan has been carefully laid out. Uaychai Watha will lead thousands of teachers, mostly from the Northeast, to take their position at the Royal Plaza between 8am and noon before Sondhi’s team formally takes over the stage from 1pm until 8am tomorrow.

In case of interference – such as an attack by a pro-government mob on Uaychai’s group that would block Sondhi’s access to the Royal Plaza – the organisers would resort to plan B and move the mass gathering to another location.

Sondhi will only move his followers in case of an emergency. He will show up at the stage at 6pm before leading a small group to Prem’s residence in Teves, where he will deliver the royal petition at about 8pm. Then he will return to the Royal Plaza and declare that he has done his job.

Later Sondhi will take to the stage every two to three hours to keep the audience informed about the situation and to show his leadership.

His Buddhist master, Buddha Issara from Nakhon Pathom, will help keep the protesters in a calm and peaceful mood by leading prayers at 8pm, while Sondhi departs the Royal Plaza for Prem’s home about 1.5-kilometres away.

The monk will lead prayers again at 6am tomorrow morning. A merit-making ceremony for 99 monks will follow and Sondhi will proclaim the end of the rally not later than 8am.

For smooth proceedings and safety, security for Sondhi and the stage will be tightened. Some 550 “sentries”, mostly volunteers from Phetchaburi and teachers groups, will provide security for the demonstrators.

About 4,500 police will also be on alert to control the situation outside the venue, preventing pro-government groups from sabotaging the protest.

Sondhi and his crew are quite confident that the demonstration will proceed smoothly and peacefully. It might not be able to jettison Thaksin overnight but such a huge movement will definitely pile pressure on the government, an organiser said.

Source: The Nation - February 04, 2006

[sriracha john]

there must be a bar somewhere, that will let us drink till the party (demostration) is over, then we can all get to read about it a day or so later (seems a bit like a Tottenham and Millwall match really, bound to be a shade of claret on the streets)

And as I havent been invited, I wont be going, and I'm a bit old to be a student anyway, so I guess I'll have a few beers and have an early night

of course Americans like fighting, they go anywhere for a scrap, they dont REALLY want to comeback to Asia, they came second last time

Another glib posting about what is essentially a very grave matter......obviously, there are more than a few posters on this forum who don't give an iota about anything or anyone except themselves........SAD.......

What do you expect me to do then, I have no idea of Thai politics or what the demostration is for or over, I'm a guest in Thailand, I dont have any voting privliges, I live in the UK and spend time in Thailand

What is important to Thai's is not important to me, same as VERY few Thai's are intrested in UK politics,

Get real matey

Perhaps then, it might be best to leave off your comments on more serious Thai topics...

and confine your forum activities to places like:

forum.britswhodonotknowmuchaboutthailandnorcarewhathappens.com

thank you.

[Jai Dee]

there must be a bar somewhere, that will let us drink till the party (demostration) is over, then we can all get to read about it a day or so later (seems a bit like a Tottenham and Millwall match really, bound to be a shade of claret on the streets)

And as I havent been invited, I wont be going, and I'm a bit old to be a student anyway, so I guess I'll have a few beers and have an early night

of course Americans like fighting, they go anywhere for a scrap, they dont REALLY want to comeback to Asia, they came second last time

Another glib posting about what is essentially a very grave matter......obviously, there are more than a few posters on this forum who don't give an iota about anything or anyone except themselves........SAD.......

What do you expect me to do then, I have no idea of Thai politics or what the demostration is for or over, I'm a guest in Thailand, I dont have any voting privliges, I live in the UK and spend time in Thailand

What is important to Thai's is not important to me, same as VERY few Thai's are intrested in UK politics,

Get real matey

Perhaps then, it might be best to leave off your comments on more serious Thai topics...

and confine your forum activities to places like:

forum.britswhodonotknowmuchaboutthailandnorcarewhathappens.com

thank you.

Seconded...

[bggg]

Even Thaksins stronghold in Chiang mai is begining to teeter. We have a friend who is with the tourist police here in Chiangmai. He was telling us 2 nights ago that many Thais are now talking that maybe Thaksin is not good. He said "I am only police, I do not have much education so sometimes I do not understand. I voted for Thaksin, but now I think maybe he is no good for Thai people."

He asked many questions about what foreigners think and say regarding, the 30 baht health care, million baht per village, and other Thaksin iniatives. He said "I think maybe he no good for Thailand and Thai people, now many Thai people talk like this."

This is a man that 3 months ago was the staunchest of Thaksin supporters

[Jai Dee]

Atmosphere of the demonstration in King Rama V Equestrian Statue this morning

Members from at least ten organizations were starting to gather together at the demonstration in the King Rama V Equestrian Statue this morning. Meanwhile, metropolitan police officers were giving out more than 20,000 instructional and guideline leaflets to the demonstrators.

Groups of teachers, EGAT and anti-alcoholic beverage protestors were getting together to join media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul’s demonstration today. So far, about 200 people joined the protest since yesterday evening.

As for the areas around the King Rama V Equestrian Statue, police made signs and posters to ensure that the gatherers will follow the rule of law to prevent any possible unrest incident. In addition, dharma teachings were staged nearby the area, in an attempt to use dharma principles to control the situation.

Officials also prepared mobile restroom facilities and security units in the location, to provide convenience and safety to the general public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 Febuary 2006

[JohnOFphon]

OK, here it is Sunday morning 10:00 am and I don't see anything anywhere about yesterday. The paper doesn't get here till 11:.

What happened?....shed some light those of you who know.

[Jai Dee]

OK, here it is Sunday morning 10:00 am and I don't see anything anywhere about yesterday. The paper doesn't get here till 11:.

What happened?....shed some light those of you who know.

It's Saturday morning here in Thailand John... the action is just starting to warm up.

[JohnOFphon]

Dam, I lost track of what day it is again.....Happens to often lately

[sriracha john]

same, same...

but NOT different

hopefully, with similar endings as well...

[sierra01]

Is there a live internet TV link, my TV reception at home isn't very good?

[Jai Dee]

Is there a live internet TV link, my TV reception at home isn't very good?

If you go to The Nation's website, they are offering a live coverage.

[sierra01]

Thanks Jai Dee.

[Jai Dee]

Thai Premier Appeals for Peaceful Solution to Political Crisis

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra asked his critics, including Sondhi Limthongkul, who is leading a protest today, and political opponents to use peaceful solutions to solve the country's political crisis. He refused demands for him to step down from power.

``I'm willing to talk with everybody, including Sondhi, professors at universities, and democrats about their demands for political reform,'' Thaksin said today in his weekly radio speech from Bangkok. ``But as for the demand for me to resign, I can't meet that because I did nothing wrong.''

Today, Thaksin will probably face the largest anti- government demonstrations since he was first elected in 2001 through the Thai Rak Thai party. The U.S. Embassy on Feb. 2 warned its citizens to stay away from an area in central Bangkok where as many as 100,000 protesters will gather to rally, starting in the late afternoon.

Critics of the 56-year-old billionaire premier were angered by a share sale that last month earned his family a tax-free $1.9 billion. The 49.6 percent stake sale in Shin Corp. Pcl to Temasek Holdings Pte, a Singapore government investment agency, was Thailand's biggest corporate takeover and was exempt from capital gains tax because the transaction went through the Thai stock exchange.

`Lack of Ethics'

Critics also oppose his plans to place public school teachers under the authority of local administrators and to sell shares in public utilities.

On Feb. 2, the political science department at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's oldest, submitted an open letter to Thaksin, asking him to resign because of a lack of ethics, according to the department's Web site.

``His actions included the destruction of the independence of the media, his ignorance of parliament, his intervention in the most independent organizations, widespread corruption in his government and spending of money for his political benefit,'' the department said. ``Any prolonged stay as prime minister will worsen the political crisis.''

Thaksin, whose three-quarter majority was the most decisive election victory since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, is also battling slowing economic growth. The economy grew an estimated 4.5 percent in 2005, according to the central bank, down from 6.2 percent a year earlier, because of rising fuel costs, drought and the December 2004 tsunami. It may grow as little as 4.75 percent in 2006, the bank said Jan. 30.

``I still have the right to be the government leader because 19 million people voted for me last year,'' Thaksin said. ``There is only one person who can ask me to leave, and he is the King. If he says, `Thaksin, please leave,' then I will immediately pack my office and leave Government House.''

Thaksin dismissed comments by the critics and public that the sale of his family's stake in Shin, which controls Thailand's biggest phone company, its only satellite operator, and a television network, jeopardizes Thai control over those businesses.

``The government still owns the equipment and other assets,'' he said ``What Temasek owns is only the right to operate those assets.''

The sale also allows him freedom to implement his policies without being burdened by potential conflicts of interest, he said.

[ratcatcher]

same, same...

but NOT different

hopefully, with similar endings as well...

"Let them eat cake"

Same same.............

but NOT different.

Marie Antoinette was behind the King. Potjaman is behind The Emperor.

Edited February 4, 2006 by ratcatcher

[baht&sold]

mms://broadcast.manager.co.th/11news1 (paste in another window)

ASTV (manager) live feed- windows media player, broadband, thai.

since this is the ASTV feed, expect live coverage as the day progresses.

Edit: just saw a foreigner on the live feed, smiling and wearing all yellow, looks like he's enjoying himself Not much of a crowd as yet.

[penzman]

same, same...

but NOT different

hopefully, with similar endings as well...

Good thing that it won't happen like this... The people who want him out don't wish him dead... I think...

For those who don't know, Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu was given an express trial and was shot to death minutes afterwards along with his wife.

[LindsayBKK]

Oh give me a break. The sky is falling!!!! This has nothing to do with post "State of the Nation' jitters or AQ or JI or anything else your mind may conjur up. It has everything to do with a potential blood bath in the streets of Bangkok. Such demonstrations are RARELY peaceful, contrary to the news story. The US Embassy apparently wants to warn its citizens in the Kingdom to stay clear - wisely too I would think - lest they become victims in the violence. Ask some people what it was like in 73... in 92. Why other embassies have not come out to warn their citizens is beyond me, but regardless my nationality I will heed the warning. Do you really think Toxin will stand by 'peacefully?'

Email from Australian Embassy

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies as they have the

potential to turn violent. Thai authorities have used force to break up

protests in Thailand.

Large demonstrations are expected to take place in Bangkok on Saturday 4

February 2006 in the area of the King Rama 5 statue, Rajdamneon Avenue,

near Sanam Luang and Government House. Police estimate that over 100,000

people may attend.

Border regions: There is ongoing fighting and banditry along some sections

of the Burma/Thai border. This includes fighting between the military and

armed opposition groups as well as clashes between Thai security forces and

armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers. Bandits may target

foreigners travelling through national parks or border regions Travellers

who have attempted illegal border crossings have been detained and deported

from Thailand.

[toptuan]

The US emassy issued a warning to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. That, and the climate of fear they live in.

So you think the warning advisory they gave before Bali and South Thailand were hogwash too?

You need to climb out from under your rock and take a look at the real world. It's the Pollyanna's that get caught with their panties down. (Madrid, France, etc.)

[george]

Army sets up special centre to monitor today's rally

BANGKOK: -- Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin has set up a special command centre to monitor today's rally led by media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul at the headquarters of the First Army Region, which is adjacent to the Royal Plaza, a source said yesterday.

The centre provides a panoramic view of the rally site and movements of protesters who will be seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Troops from the 11th Army Circle have been put on stand-by to assist police in crowd control. Fire engines, mobile power generators and spotlight-mounted trucks are at the ready.

According to the source, the army chief will be at the centre for several hours.

Security will be stepped up along the route that Mr Sondhi and demonstrators will use on the way to the Si Sao Theves residence of Chief Privy Councillor Prem Tinsulanonda to submit a petition to His Majesty the King through him, calling for Mr Thaksin's removal from office.

An army source said yesterday that Gen Prem would be in town but he was unlikely to accept the petition himself as he thought it would be more proper if Mr Sondhi submitted it to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.

Mr Sondhi pledged to keep the demonstration strictly confined to the Royal Plaza, saying he would lead only a small group of people to Gen Prem's residence.

He said he would return to the Royal Plaza and join demonstrators in presenting alms to 99 monks the next day.

He said whether or not the rally would be lengthy depended on the situation but also stressed that it would be peaceful.

He declined to estimate how many people would join. The highlights of the rally speech topics would include Thailand's free-trade agreements with other countries, the CTX bomb scanner scandal and the Shin Corp sell-off.

Mr Sondhi took aim at Mr Thaksin for clinging to his magic number of 19 million _ the number of people who voted for him in the last general election.

''When he's not happy with anyone, he says those people have something to lose. And in his conflict-of-interest case, he doesn't say a word.

''This prime minister lies all the time. He says he won't resign. But the next day he might dissolve the House and pull the political strings from abroad,'' he said.

Justice Minister Chidchai Wannasathit was confident the situation would be kept under control, saying city police had expertise in handling crowds. Officers had been told to avoid using force at all costs and to be patient if provoked, he said.

--Bangkok Post 2006-02-04