They said they "welcome" the PAD's planned visit to Chiang Mai even if they are going there to rally against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"PAD are welcomed to our province but we are worried about their safety. At present, many groups of people have submitted letter to PAD through us. They said if PAD want to cause chaos in the province, they would surely be met with strong opposition," said Surapong Toewijakchaikul, who planned to run for TRT in the next election.

Surapong was a former Democrat MP for Chiang Mai.

Speaking at a press briefing at the TRT's Chiang Mai office, Surapong said 11 civic groups have sent notes to his office to express objection on the planned visit of PAD to the province.

"The groups wish to pass messages to PAD that they should not try to instigate conflicts among Chiang Mai people," he said.

Surapong also demanded for Pracharaj Party leader Sanoh Thientong and Mahachon leader Sanan Kajornprasert to apologise as they alleged as a hoax the alleged assassination against Thaksin.

The Nation