But PTV station chairman Veera Musigapong said the rally would be held as scheduled. The group would also expand its attacks over the coup and the "suspicious role" of General Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council, he said, defiantly.

Nikom Wairatpanit, a senior official at the Bangkok Metropolitan Admin-istration, said permits were issued for the use of Sanam Luang on a first-come first-serve basis and it had not made a partial decision against PTV organisers.

"Due to a prior licence agreement, Sanam Luang has been designated for the Traditional Thai Sports Festival from this week until April 7."

He reminded the organisers they risked a police crackdown if they went ahead with the rally without a permit.

The rally was initially planned to air grievances relating to the alleged blocking of satellite broadcasts by PTV.

"We are seriously reviewing whether we should cancel our earlier pledge not to try and overthrow the coup-backed government," Veera said, adding that although his rally would be peaceful, it would not spare any attacks on the coup leaders and Prem.

Some 20,000 anti-coup booklets would be distributed, he said, revealing plans to try to convince the public to reject the new constitution now being drafted, when it goes to a referendum.

PTV executive Jatuporn Phrompan said he would question the future of junta leader General Sonthi Boonyar-atglin at today's rally. Jatuporn said he suspected Sonthi wanted to hold on to power even though he had promised to dismantle the junta after the election.

But Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont moved yesterday to allay concerns about Sonthi, saying he was confident the junta would not cling to power.

"Sonthi told me personally that he would not try to perpetuate his power and that he saw himself as unqualified for the post of prime minister," Surayud said.