Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has appeal to the public to stay away from Saturday's scheduled rally by the opposition Pitak Siam group, saying he was concerned "ill-intentioned people" may try to exploit the event to incite violence.
Mr Chalerm said Wednesday that security officers were worried that a "third hand" would interfere and cause problems during the planned overnight mass rally at the Royal Plaza. He made similar claims last week, saying that the third hand could be carrying bombs.
“I admit that police officers are concerned about the rally on Nov 24," he said. "I’d like to ask the public to watch the protest on TV at home, because the event will be televised on the [Democrat Party-backed] Blue Sky TV channel.
“If you think this government is not good, don’t choose them in the next election and vote for the Democrats. But now the international community has recognised the Yingluck Shinawatra administration because it adheres to democratic principles,” Mr Chalerm said.
The deputy prime minister denied reports he intended to travel to Chiang Rai province on the weekend, saying he would remain in Bangkok during the Pitak Siam protest.