BANGKOK - POLICE in Bangkok said on Sunday they would not disperse an upcoming anti-government rally, but would protect their national headquarters if the protesters tried to invade the building.
Also on Sunday, a pro-government group announced plans to hold a three-day rally in Bangkok's historic district, but vowed not to clash with their foes in the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
The PAD has vowed to march through central Bangkok to the national police headquarters near the main shopping district on Monday to protest against a recent crackdown by police that erupted into violence.
Two people were killed and more than 400 injured in Tuesday's violence, when PAD supporters descended on parliament to try and stop the elected lawmakers from meeting, prompting police to unleash tear gas on the rowdy crowd.
Police spokesman Lieutenant General Chatchawal Suksomjit said the metropolitan police were coordinating with other agencies to handle Monday's PAD rally.
'We are preparing our people to protect our headquarters,' he told AFP.
'(However), police have no plans to disperse the demonstration, because they say they will protest peacefully.'
The pro-government group, meanwhile, will begin their rally on Sunday evening at Sanam Luang park, a popular spot for protests in the historic district.
Mr Wipoothalaeng Pattanaphumthai, one of the movement's leaders, said he expected thousands of people to show up to voice their support for the government that comfortably won elections in Dec last year.
'The protest is to support the democratic system,' Mr Wipoothalaeng said, adding that they would not start any clashes with PAD supporters or head to police headquarters on Monday.
Sanam Luang is a few kilometres away from the prime minister's offices, which have been occupied by PAD supporters since late Aug.
The PAD launched their campaign in May, claiming that the ruling People Power Party is just a puppet of ousted premier Thaksin Shinwatra, who they accuse of corruption and nepotism.
One person was killed in Sept when pro- and anti- government protesters clashed. -- AFP
