Supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and detractors of the coup-makers - many of who had earlier rallied against the ousted premier - appear to be becoming strange bedfellows with their separate campaigns against the government and the Council for National Security (CNS).

Anti-coup groups held rallies at Sanam Luang last weekend to protest the "undemocratic" drafting of the new constitution.

One group on Saturday managed to attract as many as 2,000 participants. Another anti-coup group assembled some 1,000 people and marched near the official residence of Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda, who they accused of masterminding the military takeover six months ago.

Thaksin's supporters from the newly formed PTV station are holding a mass rally today at Sanam Luang to protest against the ban on the station's broadcasts and the government's alleged double standards in allowing its rival station

ASTV to stay on air.

The protesters appear to be mimicking the tactics used by the anti-government movement led by media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul early last year that eventually led to the ouster of the Thaksin administration on September 19.

Sondhi began the movement as weekly protest meetings at several locations before moving to Sanam Luang, where he managed to gather huge crowds.

Employing all the media under his control, Sondhi managed to earn enough public support to shake the Thaksin government and eventually inspire his overthrow.

Thaksin's supporters and anti-coup activists have taken to the streets and resorted to unconventional mass media like satellite-based television and websites. PTV, which was formed by senior figures from the previously governing Thai Rak Thai Party, and websites like Thaisayno.com and Hi-thaksin.net have served as media outlets for these two groups.

But unlike Sondhi's ASTV, PTV has failed to reach a wide audience, due mainly to alleged political interference. The station's executive chairman Veera Musigapong recently accused "one powerful figure" of applying pressure behind the scenes to prevent PTV from broadcasting via the Thaicom satellite. He pointed a finger at the CNS for blocking the station's broadcasts without any legal basis.

However, the alleged censorship could serve as a good excuse for PTV management to incite anger towards the junta and the government.

Veera said he wanted today's rally to be a venue for people adversely affected by the September 19 coup to air their grievances and support one another. Station executive Jatuporn Phromphan said he expected a high turnout and predicted that anti-coup activists, democracy advocates and debt-ridden farmers would lend their support.

The organisers insisted yesterday that the rally would go on as planned even though the city administration would not give them permission to use Sanam Luang. Jatuporn said earlier that the organisers were prepared to face any action by the authorities.

The campaigns by Thaksin's supporters and anti-coup activists so far have been unable to gather any significant support from the public. Thaksin's supporters may have to bank on backing from Thai Rak Thai Party, which claims millions of members.

Thai Rak Thai is being tried in the Constitution Tribunal for alleged electoral fraud, a charge that could lead to its dissolution. The tribunal's verdict is expected around the middle of this year.

If the party is eventually dissolved, as some Thai Rak Thai heavyweights have predicted, citing suspected bias against the party, Thaksin's supporters may expect support from angry party members, many of whom are from the North and Northeast - regions where support for both Thaksin and his party remains strong.

Kittipong Thavevong

 The Nation