However, Kokaew Pikulthong defended the assault saying those involved thought Kraisak was a "drunk causing chaos".

Kokaew tried to stop protesters attacking Kraisak, although he believed the former senator was drunk, scolded protesters and threw a soft-drink container at them, he said.

"I think Kraisak was the one who used violence. He shouldn't have been at the rally. There was no violence at the rally, it was just threats," Kokaew said.

Kraisak was unavailable for comment late last night.

Former Thai Rak Thai member of Parliament Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk suspected "security agencies" would arrange counter-protest groups to confront anti-coup demonstrators.

He alleged they sent 1,000 people to National Housing Authority headquarters a few days ago.

Ekkaporn believed "security authorities" would attempt to "cause chaos to frame anti-coup protesters by burning government offices".

Meanwhile, he accused them of "following demonstration leaders" and worried they would be kidnapped.

If leaders disappeared it would have been at the hands of "dictators", Ekkaporn said.