A close aide to Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party on Sunday shrugged off a threat of renewed rallies by the Pitak Siam group against the government.
The Pitak Siam group and its allies outline their demands on the government at a news conference at the Royal Turf Club on Saturday. (Photo by Thanarak Khoonton)
Noppadon Pattama, who offers legal advice for the fugitive former prime minister, said the administration with its popular mandate from voters will not be cornered by the demands of the anti-Thaksin group, who announced its return on Saturday.
They were the "regulars" against the red shirts and Pheu Thai, his Facebook message said.
Mr Noppadon challenged Pitak Siam to set up a political party to run in elections instead of ''holding the country to hostage''.
Adm Chai Suwannaphap, the new leader of the Pitak Siam group. ((Photo by Thanarak Khoonton)
Pitak Siam, now led by Adm Chai Suwannaphap, on Saturday made several demands including the resignation of Yingluck Shinawatra from the defence ministerial portfolio and of Deputy Defence Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa; and the scrapping of all bills aimed at helping Thaksin to return home clean.
It warned the government of a rally planned for Aug 4 if it turns a deaf ear to the demands over the next week.
Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit echoed Mr Noppadon's stance, saying Pitak Siam mainly ignored the legitimacy of the government and democratic principles. It was set up with only one goal, to unseat the government.
The group should play by the rules by standing in the next general election, he added.
Former Pitak Siam leader Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit has denied any current involvement in the group but gave support to its move to oust the Pheu Thai-led coalition government.
Pitak Siam said on Saturday that the new protest will be peaceful but refused to reveal the rally site.