The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship will elect its new leader next Wednesday, a top red shirt said yesterday.
Shinawat Haboonpad, who is also an adviser to the transport minister, revealed the election would be held on Feb 15 following a two-day meeting of about 40 UDD leaders in Nakhon Nayok.
"We want the election to be held before we stage a concert at Bonanza Khaoyai on Feb 25," he said.
The election is intended to show the public that the UDD is still strong.
The movement should not be led by an acting chairperson for a lengthy period of time.
It should have an official one, Mr Shinawat said.
UDD leaders also agreed that anti-government groups still pose a threat. They decided to hold events to secure support for the government from red shirt supporters more often. UDD members in Bangkok will support activities held by the movement's leaders in other provinces.
Provincial UDD leaders will also explain to red shirt supporters the reasons why the government wants to rewrite the constitution, as well as prepare to mobilise the movement's rank and file to resist a coup d'etat in case another one takes place, Mr Shinawat said.
Acting UDD chairwoman Tida Tawornseth said UDD leaders had assessed the current political situation during their meeting in Nakhon Nayok and that there were signs another coup could take place. The UDD must find a way to prevent it, she said.Meanwhile, UDD spokesman Worawut Wichaidit said that the UDD will focus on efforts to push for changes to the constitution. Tomorrow, it will submit its proposals to parliament after having garnered the required 50,000 signatures from red shirt supporters.