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BANGKOK: Thousands of supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra gathered in Bangkok on Sunday to show support for the embattled government, raising fears of clashes with rivals besieging the airports.
Bedecked in bright red shirts to differentiate themselves from their yellow-clad foes in the People's Alliance for Democracy, the pro-government supporters waved Thai flags and wore headbands reading simply "Thaksin".
Others had "No Coup" on their red headbands, as the occupation by PAD supporters of Bangkok's two main airports over the past week has raised fears of military intervention to end the paralysing turmoil.
Police estimated that about 4,000 people had gathered at a plaza in the central government district, while organisers have said they hope to bring out 10,000 people on Sunday.
"We gather here today (Sunday) to protect the democratic system, to say we don't want a coup," said pro-government leader Jatuporn Prompan, adding that they would rally until Thursday and march to the nearby Democracy Monument.
Their hero Thaksin was overthrown in a coup in September 2006 after PAD protests and amid allegations of corruption, and the PAD resuscitated their campaign in May this year after his allies won elections last December.
The pro-government group are rallying about five kilometres (three miles) away from some supporters of the PAD, who have occupied the nearby prime minister's cabinet offices since late August.
The PAD, whose supporters wear yellow shirts and headbands in what they say is a symbol of their desire to protect Thailand's revered monarchy, is locked in a stand-off with police at Bangkok's two main airports.
At the pro-government site, the atmosphere was lively but people were clearly angry about the chaos gripping Thailand. Some held up banners saying "PAD are bandits".
"I came because I worry about the country's situation and support the leaders," said 55-year-old vendor Pradit Siriwarin.
"I will fight until the end for the government and for Thaksin – I will fight for him to return home. I don't fear the clash."
PAD leaders have refused to budge until Thaksin's brother-in-law Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns. He has refused to stand down.
Clashes between the pro- and anti-government groups have broken out sporadically across Thailand recently and people fear a large-scale confrontation between the so-called Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts.
In early November, Thaksin gave a telephone address to a gathering of about 100,000 supporters on the outskirts of Bangkok, in which he said "the power of people" could bring him back from exile.
He fled Thailand in August as corruption charges mounted against him, and was last month sentenced to two years in jail in absentia for helping his wife buy state-owned land when he was premier.
During his two terms, Thaksin was loved by the rural poor for his policies such as village loans and low-cost healthcare, but the traditional wealthy elite were infuriated that he had usurped their power and influence.
Thailand is still bitterly divided – even though some people appear to be switching sides.
"I was with PAD when they gathered to topple Thaksin, but today I come here because I am afraid the country is facing another coup," said Piyarat Harnkittichai, 52, a businessman.
- AFP/so
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