There is no cause for panic because the authorities will exercise restraints and prevent the downward spiral of the situation into a civil war, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said on Friday's morning.
Suthep was speaking just hours ahead of the commence of the red-shirt march at midday.
"Please stay calm, the red shirts aim to attack government offices and not the people's homes," he said in reference to the sabotage threat in the capital.
He said the situation remains under control and that the red shirts might carry on their protests for three to seven days.
He also reminded rally organisers for risking arrest if they tried to incite violence.
