Members of the Thai Rak Thai Party in Chiang Mai expressed sarcastic concern yesterday for People's Alliance for Democracy members who visit the province for an anti-government rally.

The party said it "welcomed" the PAD's planned visit to Chiang Mai, even if the purpose is to rally against  the prime minister.

"The PAD is welcome in our province, but we are worried about their safety. Many groups of people have submitted letters to the PAD through us. They said that if the PAD wanted to cause chaos in the province, they would surely be met with strong opposition," said Surapong Toewijakchaikul, who plans to run as a Thai Rak Thai candidate in the next election. Surapong was formerly a Democrat MP for Chiang Mai.

Speaking at a press briefing at the party's Chiang Mai office, Surapong said that 11 civic groups had sent notes to his office to express their objection to the planned PAD visit. "The groups wished to pass a message to the PAD that they should not try to instigate conflicts among Chiang Mai people," he said.

Surapong also said Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thientong and Mahachon leader Sanan Kachorn-prasart should apologise for saying the alleged assassination attempt against Thaksin was fake.

Meanwhile, PAD co-ordinator Suriyasai Katasila warned Thaksin's supporters against opposing the PAD's campaign in Chiang Mai, saying such actions would hurt the PM rather than help him because they would show how Thaksin has divided the country.

"Warning us not to go to Chiang Mai shows that Thaksin is the PM of Chiang Mai people only. This would cause people in other provinces, particularly in the South, to oppose Thaksin even more. In the end, Thaksin will not be able to go to those provinces and will not run the whole country. Thailand may end up being like Cambodia, which used to have two PMs."

Apart from Chiang Mai, the PAD also plans to organise anti-Thaksin activities in Sanam Luang and the northeastern province of Buri Ram, which is a stronghold of PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob, Thaksin's close aide.

The PAD says the timeframe and activities for the campaign have not yet been decided on, but the PAD would avoid confrontations.