Lop Buri governor worries of his job security

The red-shirt followers of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra threaten to dog Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva with a noisy protest and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has warned provincial authorities to devote full attention to prevent the crowds from turning unruly.

"Frankly I fear for getting a job transfer since I have no way to guarantee how the situation will develop," Charupong said.

He said that although he had a contingency plan in place to deal with the planned demonstration, he could not predict every move by the red shirts.

Suthep said his remarks should not be construed as a warning to remove the provincial governor.

He said the government just wanted to ensure best efforts were made in maintaining peace and that it had no intention to fault the officials concerned.

Abhisit said he was not concerned about the red shirts and that he would proceed with his trip to Lop Buri as planned.

He also reaffirmed his government's stand of not interfering with the authorities in charge of crowd control.

Lop Buri police chief Maj-General Sathit Tonsanguan said about 400 to 500 red shirts would rally at Wat Bot, the first stop after his arrival at 8.30am.

"I sincerely hope that the red shirts will abide by the law and refrain from inciting violence," Sathit said.

Red-shirt leader Mayuree Sawettasai from Ayutthaya vowed to mobilise a crowd of about 1,000 for the rally against Abhisit.

Mayuree said she planned to bring fermented fish to the rally site, a hint that foul-smelling delicacies might be thrown at the prime minister.

In a separate development, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Phrompan said another mass rally would take place in Khon Kaen on Sunday.

Jatuporn also confirmed that ex-premier Thaksin would phone-in around 7pm to greet his supporters.

Co-leader Natthawut Saikua said red shirts would rally upcountry at every venue visited by Abhisit and Cabinet members.

About 50 red shirts staged a protest in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday to oppose the visit by Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat.

Chaovarat made the trip to assess the draught situation in the Northeast.