Both sides tried to downplay speculation that the assault had been politically motivated and intended to incite violence.

Kittichai Saisa-ard, a labour leader at the Provincial Electricity Authority, was attacked on Rajdamnoen Avenue at about 4am by three unidentified assailants. He had just finished delivering a speech at the rally.

Kittichai was beaten with sticks and stones. He filed a complaint at Chana Songkhram police sta-

tion after receiving medical treatment.

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said police were investigating but had yet to reach a conclusion.

"I still don't know the details of the assault, although I am sure that police have taken the utmost precautions to keep the peace," he

said.

It was too early to say whether a third party or malicious people were trying to instigate trouble, he said.

Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, urged police to quickly apprehend the assailants.

"The arrest will uncover the motivation," he said, though adding: "Police never find the culprits in cases linked to politics."

Chamlong dismissed rumours that anti-Thaksin campaigners were trying to inflame the political situation. "The PAD has one simple demand, that Thaksin Shinawatra must quit his care-taker premiership, and has no reason to stir up trouble any further when Thaksin himself has done so much damage to the country," he said.

Chamlong said the Kittichai assault case would not demoralise Thaksin's opponents.

"The attempt to oust Thaksin will continue peacefully even if some government cronies resort to bullying tactics."

Kittichai later insisted that he had no personal conflicts. He believes he was targeted because he was the head of the PAD security guards.

"Those who attacked me might have wanted to discourage the PAD's guard team by sending the message that even head of the team could be beaten," he said.

Suriyasai Katasila, a spokesperson for the PAD, said this was not the first time the anti-Thaksin rally had been threatened. Some people at the rallies received threatening letters and their cars were defaced, he said.