Although Sondhi could not appear in person in response to the police summons to acknowledge the charge of lese majeste against him, Sondhi will submit a statement denying the crime and propose 10 witnesses to testify in defence of his character, Suwat said.

Should police recommend prosecution, his client is prepared to clear his name in court, he said, adding, "This is an obvious case of police trying to please politicians."

The People's Alliance for Democracy is also expected to

hold a press conference on Tues-day to outline its stance regard-ing police summonses for its five leaders, including Sondhi.

Police seem to be trying to frame the PAD leaders as attempting to overthrow democratic rule, PAD secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila said. Many summonses have been issued to harass the PAD, but despite the threat of litigation, it will hold five public rallies next week in Sa Kaew, Rayong, Phuket, Ranong and Udon Thani, he said.

It is also nominating PAD members for an assembly expected to convene early next month on political reforms, he said.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said police must uphold the law, dismissing suspicions that the government is trying to persecute the PAD.

"Legal proceedings have to be taken because of many complaints against the PAD, and judicial authorities will decide whether any offences have been committed," he said.