Supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship began to spread out from their five rendezvous points in Bangkok shortly after noon on Friday, to campaign for people to participate in their rally on Sunday.

Several thousands of convicted politician Thaksin Shinawatra’s supporters gathered in Bangkok before dispersing after some hours, while thousands more gathered in the rural North before starting their journey to the capital for the main rally on Sunday.

The five rendezvous points are the King Taksin monument at Wong Wian Yai, the Lak Si democracy monument in Bang Khen, Lumpini park, Thailand-Japan sports complex at Din Daeng, and the Bang Na intersection.

According to the plan for activities announced by the UDD, from Wong Wian Yai, the red-shirts under Jatuporn Promphan were to conduct a religious rite at the King Taksin monument before marching mainly along Phetkasem road.

From the Lak Si democracy monument, the red-shirts under Veera Musikhapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Kokaew Pikulthong were to march past many places including the 11th Infantry Regiment on Phahon Yothin road.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was not at all interested in the threat by UDD leader Natthawut Saikua to increase pressure if the government does not respond to the group’s demand for a House dissolution.

Mr Natthawut said on Thursday that if the UDD’s demand was not met before Monday, more than one million red-shirts would scatter to preselected rallying points throughout Bangkok.

“The government is not in the position to bow to any threat.  It will listen only to petitions made properly under the constitution.  A threat is not acceptable.

“Mr Nathawut himself said a House dissolution is not the ultimate goal [of the red-shirts].  I will protect the interests of the majority,” Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister said his secretary-generak Korbsak Sabhavasu was coordinating with UDD leader Weng Tojirakarn to make sure the rally is peaceful.

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