Udon Thani-based red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana Sunday announced a mass rally at Thung Si Muang in front of the provincial hall in a show of force against the anti-government Pitak Siam’s rally on Nov 24, the Thai Rath website reported.
The rally, which will take place on Friday -- one day before the Pitak Siam gathering -- was expected to draw about 50,000 supporters of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and the Pheu Thai Party from northeastern provinces, Mr Kwanchai said.
He said UDD leaders and core supporters from Bangkok had accepted his invitation to attend the rally. They include Jatuporn Prompan and two former members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party -- one of the ruling Pheu Thai Party's two previous incarnations -- Adisorn Piangket and Sutin Klungsang, among others.
Mr Adisorn is also a former fugitive red shirt co-leader who turned himself in in March last year to answer charges of terrorism relating to the 2010 political violence.
The head of the Khon Rak Udon group (People Who Love Udon) made the announcement after meeting with UDD leaders from 20 provinces across the Northeast to discuss the planned rally, said the website.
Mr Kwanchai said the gathering was intended to oppose the Pitak Siam group which has been trying to mobilise supporters to topple the government elected by the people.
“This (Friday) rally aims to caution those who have been misled by the Seh Ai (Pitak Sima leader) mob. Thailand under the leadership of the Yingluck Shinawatra government is moving well forward and has been acknowledged by the global community,” the red-shirt hardcore leader said.
Mr Kwanchai accused Pitak Siam of hiring residents from 11 provinces in the South to join the Nov 24 rally for 1,500 baht each. An old political party and the ammart (elite) were also behind the group’s protest, he added.