"Although the upcoming rally is expected to be peaceful, there is a concern that ill-intentioned people might try to instigate trouble by sowing misunderstanding between the government's supporters and its opponents," the minister said.

The situation would become very volatile if the protesters decide on a march instead of staying at the rally site, he said.

Thamarak was speaking after he chaired a meeting of the Defence Council to ensure military preparations keep the peace. He said he had ordered military commanders to maintain political neutrality and resist any attempts to lure them into the political crisis.

"The military will closely monitor the situation, will not get involved and will sound the alarm if it suspects a ploy to instigate a clash between the rival parties."

Soldiers would stay away from the rally to prevent any misunderstanding and would not be involved in crowd control, he said.

Military spokesman Maj-General Jakkrit Intarathat said the armed forces would monitor the rally via an intelligence-coordination centre at Suan Ruenrudi.

"The monitor is a precaution as police have the direct jurisdiction to ensure peace at the rally," he said.

Military leaders anticipated that the rally on Sunday would draw larger crowds than two previous protests at the Royal Plaza, he said.

Meanwhile, a Government House source said PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob used a satellite picture of Sanam Luang to help the PM prepare for the rally. Newin estimated that Sanam Luang could hold up to 150,000 people with one square metre needed for every two protesters.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation