The Chiang Mai United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will rally in protest late this afternoon against the planned weekend anti-government rally by the Pitak Siam group, leader Sriwan Chanpong said on Thursday.
The rally, at the provincial sport stadium, would be under the banner “people who love democracy in 17 provinces of the North to protect the government and to move against a military coup”.
More than 10,000 supporters were expected to attend, she said.
UDD chairwoman Tida Thawornsat and co-leader Nattawut Saikuar would address the rally from the stage. Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might phone in to talk to his red-shirt supporters later tonight, she added.
Ms Sriwan said Chiang Mai reds' rally against the anti-government protest in Bangkok on Saturday led by Gen Boonlert KaewPrasit, or Seh Ai, is aimed at allowing the country to move forward.
The red-shirts do not accept any attempt to topple the government by undemocratic means. The Yingluck Shinawatra government was democratically elected, and thus, it must stay until its term ends, she said.
The Chiang Mai UDD leader insisted that the red-shirt rally will be peaceful and lawful.
Chiang Mai police chief Pol Maj-Gen Kasemsan Boonyakan said about 200 police will be deployed at the rally site and nearby areas to ensure law and order.