The Army yesterday warned pressure groups reportedly planning Constitution Day protests in Bangkok that martial law remained in effect. The decision to lift it has yet to receive royal sanction.

Army First Region commander Lt-General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military was still in charge of peacekeeping until the order to lift martial law became effective.

"Peacekeeping in general situations is the responsibility of the police," Prayuth said. "However, if the police find the situation gets out of hand they can request support from the military because martial law is still in effect. Our soldiers will return to their barracks only after the lifting of martial law."

The Council for National Security reportedly assigned its deputy secretary-general and assistant Army chief General Saprang Kalyanamitr to talk with pressure-group leaders and prevent them from staging rallies in Bangkok on Constitution Day, next Sunday.

Second Region commander Maj-General Tirasak Rithiwong did not think many from upcountry Thailand would attend any planned rallies. "I think some people who claim to be community leaders threatened protests because they want to make a name for themselves," he said. "They just want to have their names mentioned in the news media to feel like heroes."

Withoon Chatpatimapong, president of the Provincial Administrative Organisation Association, challenged allegations that it received Bt10 million from former Thaksin Shinawatra cabinet ministers Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Newin Chidchob. The money was claimed to be for staging a Sanam Luang protest on Constitution Day.

"As president of the association I maintain nobody has ever received such money," Withoon said.

"If anyone has evidence any of our members have the Bt10 million in their pockets, please come forward and name names. I will deal with those people myself. Otherwise, please don't make unsubstantiated allegations. We in the rural sector are not people who stir unrest. We love peace too."