Counter rallies mobilise

Thousands of PAD protesters still occupied Government House for the sixth day, paralysing the administration of Samak Sundaravej, which yesterday also resorted to a joint parliamentary session to try to defuse the PAD protests.

A PPP source said government MPs, especially those in the Northeast, were ordered to organise at least 5,000 supporters per province to hold counterrallies in front of the provincial city halls.

These counterrallies will also head for Bangkok if the PAD did not stop pressuring the Samak government, he said.

"In Bangkok, we've also prepared to enlist supporters to join the progovernment Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship or DAAD."

"These supporters are mainly those working inside industrial estates and factories in Bangkok's peripherals, " said the PPP official.

The progovernment camp also issued  an ultimatum for PAD protesters to leave  Government House within the next week or else it would step up its counterattacks.

"If they're still adamant, our supporters from all over the country will join forces to help PM Samak to return to his office," Vipoothalaeng Pattanaphumthai, of the progovernment DAAD, told crowds gathering at Sanam Luang.

The progovernment camp also threatened to set the headquarters of opposition Democrat Party on fire as one of its key members is a PAD leader.

Pracha Prasobdee, a Samut Prakarn MP, said more government MPs would join the counterrally held by DAAD to show support for Samak.

"We won't use violence. We will be  peaceful and I believe hundreds of thousands of people will join counterrallies," he said.

    The progovernment DAAD yesterday held a counterrally in front of Parliament as MPs and senators joined the debate on antigovernment protests.

Besides the Bangkok counterrally, progovernment groups also show up in several northeastern and northern provinces such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaing Mai and Buriram.

In the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, pro and antigovernment groups held rallies next to each other near Suranaree Monument. Police was told to be on high alert to help prevent a potential clash.

Prapas Ngoksungnone, a leader of the antigovernment rally, accused the government of failing to tackle the hardship of farmers.

The government has committed massive corruption and acted as a proxy of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said, adding that his group held the rally to protest against the use of force against unarmed protesters in Bangkok.

Pol Col Boonlert Wongwatchana said more than 50 police were deployed at Suranaree Monument.

In Khon Kaen, some 20 teacher groups issued a statement in support of Samak and condemning the PAD.

Niyom Sriwiset, a teacher leader, said Khon Kaen teachers disagreed with the PAD and wanted the government to restore order.

In Roi Et, some 1,000 provincial DAAD members also demonstrated in support of Samak.

In Buri Ram, PPP MP Sanong Thepaksornnarong led more than 10,000 people from 23 districts in a rally at the Muang district office supporting Samak.

In Chiang Mai, some 500 people led by Phetchawat Wattanapongsirikul, chairman of the Federation of Northern People for Democracy, also demonstrated at city hall in support of the government.