Pro-government crowds start rallying in support of Samak

Hundreds of pro-government crowds on Friday began arriving at Parliament to rally their support for the reinstate of Samak Sundaravej as prime ministers.

The crowds identified themselves as residents from every province in the Northeast. Every district organised about 10 to 20 villagers to join the rally.

The House vote is scheduled to start at 9.30 am.

People's Alliance for Democracy Chamlong Srimuang on Friday asked protesters not to march and rally at Parliament as previously planned to oppose the nomination to reinstate Samak as prime minister.

Chamlong told anti-government protesters that they would show their maturity by avoiding violence anticipated from a direct confrontation with pro-government crowds.

He also urged the protesting students, known as Young PAD, to cancel a planned demonstration during House vote to elect the prime minister.

Responding to Chamlong, the students cancelled their demonstration.

Two hours ahead of the 9.30 am vote on Friday, People Power Party spokesman Kudep Saikrajang said his party would back Samak's reinstatement.

MP Preecha Rengsomboon of Isaan Pattana faction countered that his faction would not vote the party line. He did not explain whether the faction would reject Samak, abstain or vote for an alternate candidate.

Meanwhile, Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa on Friday called an urgent meeting at 7.30 am before finalising his decision whether to go along with the People Power Party's nomination to reinstate Samak as prime minister.