Since then, the anti-coup snowball has firmly and inexorably gathered speed, but while the many groups seeking to restore democracy are disparate in social and political tendency, they have one thing in common: the ousting of the Council for National Security (CNS) and the junking of its draft constitution.

Their goals, stated at every rally, follow a familiar pattern: out with the CNS; no vote for its 2007 draft constitution; and the return of the 1997 Constitution for the general election.

But one group stands above all others in its degree of bitterness: the People's United Front against Coup d'Etat. Starting out as PTV, a satellite television broadcaster that declared it wanted to be an independent medium, it has gone way beyond its original purpose.

PTV has evolved into an unequivocal supporter of Thaksin and his return.

This is perhaps not surprising, considering the people behind PTV are former key members of the Thai Rak Thai Party. The key trio is Veera Musigapong, Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Prompan.

The group is attracting 10,000 people a night to its demonstrations at Sanam Luang.

Five other groups have been joining in the demonstration, but they are at pains to ensure the public that they are not allies of Thaksin.

These groups have said

they are simply fighting for democracy.

The Democratic Alliance against Dictators, which is led by political activists and former senators Weng Tojirakarn and Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, said they wanted the CNS out and a general election held under the 1997 Constitution.

"We want to topple the 2007 draft constitution, because it isn't democratic. The CNS must get out, and we'll protest against anyone who tries to stage another coup," Prateep said.

Wiphu Phalangphattana-phuntai, leader of the Saturday Voice for Democracy, said the group had three demands.

"First, we want to topple the 2007 draft constitution. Second, we want to topple the CNS and its orders/declarations and [third] most organisations the CNS appointed," said Wiphu, who formed the group last November.

Wiphu claims the group has about 3,000 members on the Internet and that they can join the demonstrations at Sanam Luang every day.

Friends of the 1997 Constitution, led by National Human Rights Commission member Jaran Ditthapichai, is a group of about 80 former student activists of the 1970s.

The group has transformed its name from "A Group of People Concerned About the Country's Situation", which was formed in April last year before the coup took place, said Jaran.

He added that members had different stances, such as no PAD, no article 7 and no Thaksin.

"We want the 1997 Constitution for the general election," he said.

Pirab Khao (White Dove) 2006, a group of 30 political enthusiasts led by Nopporuj Vorachitvuttikul, said they wanted to oust the military dictators and would not accept the draft constitution.

"We believe democracy is the best political regime in Thailand," said Nopporuj, who runs a private business.

Meanwhile, Klum Polamuengpiwat (Citizen Revolution), led by social activist Sombat Boonngarm-anong, is focusing on its "Thais Say No" campaign to topple the CNS's referendum for the draft constitution.

Sombat was a leader of the first demonstration against the coup at Siam Centre.

--------------------------------

Who they are

Below are the main groups opposed to the Council for National Security, which staged last year's September 19 coup.

1. People's United Front against Coup d'Etat, led by former Thai Rak Thai Party members Veera Musigapong, Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Prompan (the ex-TRT members who are the principals behind PTV). This is the main group supporting ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

2. Democratic Alliance against Dictators, led by political activists Weng Tojirakarn and Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, who played a significant role in the May 1992 uprising.

3. Saturday Voice for Democracy, led by businessman Wiphu Phalangphattanaphuntai.

4. Pirab Khao (White Dove) 2006, led by businessman Nopporuj Vorachitvuttikul.

5. Friends of the 1997 Constitution, led by National Human Rights Commission member Jaran Ditthapichai.

6. Citizen Revolution, led by social activist Sombat Boonngarm-anong.

Subhatra Bhumiprabhas

The Nation