Thaksin phone-in marked for December 13

Jatuporn Phromphan, a People Power Party MP and key organiser of the event, said Thaksin was expected to announce his return to politics.

"This does not mean that he is going to contest in elections, it means he will announce how he is going to fight in the political ring," Jatuporn said. "He has been persecuted and treated unfairly all along. It's time he sought justice."

The event was originally scheduled for December 10 and then December 14. It could not be held on December 10 because it is Constitution Day and a public holiday; while on December 14 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be presiding over an event at a building nearby.

Jatuporn organised the gathering in his capacity as co-host of the "Truth Today" talk show on the state-run NBT channel.

Thaksin's spokesman Pongthep Thepkanchana yesterday allayed fears about the phone-in inciting clashes, saying people were similarly concerned ahead of Thaksin's November 1 address but they were proved wrong.

Pongthep said people had the right to voice their views in a democratic society. "You may not agree with that person, but his right to speak must be protected."

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who is Thaksin's brother-in-law, denied any knowledge of the planned event, when asked to comment about the matter yesterday.

Meanwhile, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said it would prepare for a confrontation if the speech proves to be provocative. Pipob Dhongchai, one of the PAD's five core leaders, said security would be boosted at the rally site and more PAD supporters will be mobilised.

Former public health minister Mongkol Na Songkhla, who called on Pipob yesterday, said dealing with Thaksin depended largely on people's judgement. "If people are conscientious, he won't have an impact. But there are other factors that make people believe him and fight for him - he has the money," said Mongkol, who served in the post-coup government of General Surayud Chulanont.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that Thaksin had obviously realised that he had no chance of winning his court cases so decided to return to politics.

"I hope he will change his mind at some point. I don't want to see the country sinking into further confusion," he said. The Democrat Party leader also called on the government to be fair. "You are the people's government, and not Thaksin's government," he said.