Army chief rules out military coup

"It would not be a way to solve the problem but it would create another problem, instead. Its consequences could ruin the country," Anupong told reporters.

The military would come out only to help police to maintain public order when requested, he said.

The general was concerned about the situation and did not want to see any harm done to either police or protesters.

"The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has the right to protest but we don't want to see our country get hurt. The military doesn't want to see any destruction but we don't want to hurt the people, either," he said.

Despite the bloody crackdown, there was still room for negotiations to end the crisis, he said, while declining to mention whether the military would be the mediator.

The PAD could organise a huge demonstration during the weekend as long as it was a peaceful protest without weapons, he said.

Intelligence suggests that the weekend rally could ignite violence and pandemonium but authorities have made preparations to handle any contingencies, he said.

The military would prevent the situation from developing into chaos like in October 1973 and May 1992, he said.

"We already have learned that if all officials handle the situation properly and with flexibility, we can avoid such national wounds," he added.