The People's Alliance for Democracy confirmed yesterday that it would not rally at the head office of the Thai Rak Thai Party on Friday but warned that other protesters might congregate there.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the alliance had never considered besieging the headquarters on the party's anniversary day this week.

"But other groups may congregate and they have nothing to do with the PAD," Suriyasai said. "Thai Rak Thai has declared war and made enemies with many groups. Most people are against the party, but that doesn't mean that all its enemies are allied with us."

Suriyasai said the PAD would demand Thaksin's resignation because his caretaker government violated the Constitution, under which an interim administration should only hold office for 120 days.

He demanded Thaksin clarify his June 29 statement about a "charismatic figure beyond the Constitution" who was plotting to overthrow him.

Thaksin should seek a royal pardon for the statement as it had led to suspicions he was referring to a senior institution, Suriyasai added.

He said the pro-government Caravan of the Poor appeared unsettled about Thaksin criticising the institution.

He warned the Caravan that any action to counter the PAD's demonstrations could provide Thaksin with the justification to stage a coup.

Southern PAD members and the Coordination Centre for Students have agreed to join Friday's rally at Sanam Luang.

When asked about the rally, Thaksin's secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej said people should heed His Majesty the King's message about working for unity.

All sides should abide by the Constitution and wait for democratic elections, he said.

Southern PAD leader Ekkachai Issarata said the group would journey to the capital on Wednesday and Thursday to support the rally.

The group has been campaigning across the South to raise public awareness. It also replays the Thailand Weekly live programmes, hosted by PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul and co-host Sarocha Pornudomsak, to southerners.

Kulchaya Temchawala, of the Coordination Centre for Students, said the group decided to join the rally to keep the public informed and express their political opinions.

She is uncertain how many members will attend the rally.

Meanwhile, Sattharam Thambuddee, leader of the Network of Concerned Students, said the group would observe the rally before deciding whether to join it.