The call came after the ranks of pro-Thaksin and anti-coup forces swelled over the past week.

On Friday, Sondhi went on ASTV, his station, inviting his supporters to wear yellow to show honour for His Majesty the King as well as "patriotism" and to send a clear message to the protesting groups, whom he regards as supporters of the deposed premier.

Some 3,000 people turned out for Sondhi's rally clad in yellow although many at the rival rally were also seen donning the same colour.

Sondhi claimed that some of the rival protesters would resort to self-immolation to attract international attention. He also attacked Thaksin, accusing him of hungering for hegemony over the whole nation.

The Sondhi rally, which kicked off at 7am, was joined by Admiral Bannawit Kaenrian, a member of the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA), as well as Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the Democrat Party, and other key Democrat Party members, such as Kalaya Sophonpanich.

Banners were displayed urging loyalty to the monarchy and national unity as well as reminding the junta of its promise to hold a general election in December.

Leaflets had been distributed accusing the PTV rally of receiving direct monetary support from the former premier.

The allegation includes a detailed figure of some Bt50 per month so "people who are not well-informed came to join [the anti-coup] rally".

It claimed that the PTV group wanted to see Thailand "sink deeper" into chaos. It also condemned the violence that flared during last week's anti-coup protest.

The NLA's Bannawit - who claims 60 million Thais support his group and only a few tens of thousands back the PTV camp - led the crowd in singing the national anthem, royal anthem and other songs praising the King.

The group then dispersed for fear of clashes with the anti-coup protesters whose demonstration site was not that far away.