Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged Thais to let the country move forward democratically, as he contends with the prospect of rival events this Sunday, both for and against him, which bring "people power" onto the streets.
Rival political campaigns for and against Gen Prayut are planned, one a political run to "oust" him, and the other a walk by supporters to show their backing. The run against the prime minister will be held at Suan Rot Fai, or Vachirabenjatas Park, from 4.30am-9am on Sunday. The prime minister's supporters plan a rival event at 6.30am the same day -- a campaign-walk in Lumpini Park. Some enthusiasts for both causes are also thought to be planning their own, smaller versions of the same events in the provinces.
However, the prime minister suggested he was not happy about people taking part in either event. "I'd like everyone to use democratic mechanisms to join forces in developing the country first rather than destroying one another. Who is right or wrong will be decided by judicial procedure," Gen Prayut said at Government House yesterday.
"I really see no point in those people seeking to oust this person and that person, either the groups supporting me or against me," he said.
"There are only a thousand, or several thousand people behind these movements, while everyone else suffers the consequences of them," Gen Prayut said.
"Please don't simply use every public forum to discredit the government.... Formally lodge a complaint about who you think is wrong and I will then take a look at it," he said.
United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core leader and red-shirt group leader Jatuporn Prompan, meanwhile, warned the government to ensure security at the events, or else it could suffer if "third hands" stir up unrest.
Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said the premier is concerned about the safety of those who attend the events even though he is aware they have every right to take part in them. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon reaffirmed the run calling for the ouster of the premier will be allowed to go ahead.
"The government will not ban it," Gen Prawit said, while warning organisers to stay within the law.
Meanwhile, the other side is busy giving its supporters advice on how to conduct themselves too. "Do not cheer him in front of the tube. We will be at Lumpini Park on Jan 12," a promotional post said on the Facebook account @CheerLung.
Both camps claim overwhelming support for their events. Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and party spokeswoman Pannika Wanich will be among the runners calling for Gen Prayut's removal, and the deputy prime minister raised no objection.
Gen Prawit, however, made it clear that he would not be taking part in the walk for the prime minister. "Me? I can barely walk," he said when asked.
A poll on Sunday showed the run against Gen Prayut was more popular that the pro-prime minister meander.
Future Forward's spokeswoman Pannika Wanich, meanwhile, raised concerns over what she described as threats by individual police against the run against Gen Prayut.