While party mainstays explained the current political controversy, their speeches were mostly ignored by the early morning rush hour passers-by. The small audience of about 100 were predominantly Thai Rak Thai supporters.

Thai Rak Thai staff handed out a newsletter containing the speech made by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Sanam Luang on March 4. Meanwhile, the White Heart power group which supports Thai Rak Thai brought a white cloth and called on people who support Thaksin to write messages of encouragement on it.

Sunai Julapongsathon of Thai Rak Thai was the first to speak. He said the rally at Sanam Luang destroyed the democratic system. "They make a problem in the country." Sondhi Limthongkul, the People's Alliance for Democracy [PAD], and Chamlong Srimuang were trying to tear up the Constitution, he said.

Sunai said Thai Rak Thai had prepared a campaign speech that is within the law, but the PAD rally was not. He went on to explain why the premier dissolved the House. "Because an uprising caused by Sondhi and his protesters forced Thaksin to let the people decide in an election," he said.

He asked Thais to vote on April 2. "There is no need to vote for Thai Rak Thai. We only want to see people vote."

Weera Musikapong, a key member of the party, was the second speaker. He called on people to gather and form a "people's army to protect the Constitution" against the movement to destroy it.

Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan said she supported the dissolution of Parliament.

"It was a suitable way," she said. If people consider Thaksin

should not be prime minister, Thai Rak Thai is ready to accept the April 2 election result, Sudarat added.

The Thai Rak Thai key members each spoke for 90 minutes.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation