The Constitution Court has accepted for consideration three petitions asking that it order the Pitak Siam group to call off the anti-government rally planned for Nov 24, reports said.

The petitions were filed by former senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, Pheu Thai Party member Singthong Buachum and lawyer Nuengdin Wimuttinant, citing Section 68 of the constitution.

The court said on Wednesday it would invite Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, or Seh Ai, the Pitak Siam leader, to appear before it tomorrow, Nov 22, and testify.

The court was expected to issue an order in one way or another after that.

Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said earlier today that there were other people behind the rally and Gen Boonlert was only a puppet.

"Seh Ai is a nobody without any outstanding record.  He is only a puppet, so there have been reports of a revolt in the group.  Seh Ai already had a way out, saying he would step down if there was insufficient support.  There are definitely some other people behind (the rally)," Mr Plodprasop said, but refused to say who they were.

He said infighting for power had caused Pitak Siam to split into two groups.

The rally was likely to be extended further beyond Saturday, at least until the censure debate scheduled for Nov 25-27. he said, and also claimed there was a plan for participants to move separately to many other spots, away from the Royal Plaza, to create unrest.

The government would not seek to negotiate with the protesters, but would see to it that they act within the law.

"They have no reason to justify the rally because the government has clearly toed the line," Mr Plodprasop said.

Pol Maj-Gen Piya Uthayo, the police spokesman, said Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, the police chief, had issued an order for police on crowd control duty to follow international standards and remain patient.

People travelling to the rally site would be liable to a weapons search.

"As of now, the Special Branch estimates the number of of protesters will be around 50,000.  The rally is expected to drag on to the days set for the censure debate, but police have prepared for it," Pol Maj-Gen Piya said.

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