Red shirts gear up for another rally

The group would study the movements of the People's Alliance for Democracy. But the group would not nominate any leaders or lines of command, he said.

People have gained more power than politicians, he said. The group's previous rallies at Sanam Luang and Rajamangala National Stadium had demonstrated that politicians who refused to follow the people would be rejected, he said.

Jatuporn said he expected a key member of the PAD to be awarded with a position in the government today. It would destroy democracy, adding salt to the wounds and provoking the people even more, he warned.

Pichet Pattanachote was reported to be named an adviser to Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai. But he has not been appointed as he was a member of the Political Development Council, and is prohibited by law to hold another political position.

Witthaya said last week he would propose appointing Pichet once he has resigned from the post in the council.

The government was criticised heavily last week for the appointment of another key PAD member, Prapan Khoonmee, as an adviser to Science Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the government would take no action against protesters rallying in front of Parliament unless they break the law, hurt others or destroy government properties. Although they criticised the government every day, Suthep said he had not heard of any request from the group.

Jatuporn said the military was persecuting a low-ranking officer, Lieutenant Sunisa Lertpakawat, who joined the controversial DTV. She faces punishment for violating military discipline.

If so, Army chief Anupong Paochinda must be punished first as he heavily criticised the previous government, he said.

A military spokesman recently said that Sunisa, who wrote the book "Thaksin: Where Are You?" in 2007, would be interrogated for her appearance last week at an event for the launch of DTV.