Key Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong reaffirmed that the Red Shirts won’t rally on February 26–this Friday–when the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions announces its ruling whether or not to seize the Bt76 billion(US$2.3 billion) in frozen assets of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Veera said, however, that a largest ever UDD rally will begin March 12 and that it will be held peacefully without using violence.

Another Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, said the UDD activists nationwide will begin moving to Bangkok March 12 and will gather at Sanam Luang on the morning of March 14.

“One million [protesters] will join our protest to overcome the government’s contempt, especially that of acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn who earlier said that only ten thousand people will join our rally,” Mr Jatuporn said.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua said the organisation would halt its political moves during this period following the government’s prepared measures in handling the crowd.

The Red Shirts said there will be no rally or attempt to provoke disorder, Mr Nattawut said, affirming that any UDD actions will be “formally announced by the group’s leaders and the setup of any stage must be presented by Red Shirt leaders.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban confirmed on Wednesday that there has been no adjustment of the government’s response plan to handle the anti-government protesters rally.

He said the plan is set to maintain order but not to crack down on the protesters. However, officials will strictly enforce the law if protesters block roads or otherwise cause public disturbances.

Red Shirt leaders earlier said up to 100,000 pickup trucks will transport their members from around the country to join the protest in the capital.

The deputy prime minister also said UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan’s claim that the government will use weapons to suppress protesters was intended to create misunderstanding.

A Security Centre set up at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) with the Hotline number 1555 is open around the clock to allow the public to inform the authorities of any suspicious incidents. City Hall workers will contact the Metropolitan Police Bureau to send response reams to control the situation in 15 minutes.

Mr Suthep told the BMA to step up security operation in local communities to prevent a crowd turning violent or a clash between rival groups.

Meanwhile, Pol Gen Prateep Tunprasert, acting police chief, said the police are ready and confident that they will be able to control the situation.

If the situation turns violence, police will seek reinforcement from the army.

Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said on Wednesday Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul has instructed governors nationwide to monitor the flow of local residents travelling to Bangkok during this period.

Mr Boonjong said that the deputy prime minister also instructed the governors, especially in Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, prime political-base of Thaksin’s ally Puea Thai Party, to tighten security at municipal offices as he has been informed of possible rallies there.

“There will be no checkpoints to obstruct the protesters, but they will function as usual.

Personnal assigned to the checkpoints are also being asked to try to defuse misunderstandings among travelling demonstrators and the public to view the court verdict via live broadcast at home and accept the court decision, said Mr Boonjong. (TNA)