REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANGKOK -- The pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) today reaffirmed that it will not support separatism and the establishment of an armed group, but it called its supporters to join a mass rally this Saturday.

UDD chair Thida Thavornseth read the group's four-point statement saying that the UDD has a clear political aim which is to support democracy under Thailand's constitutional monarchy.

She said some people might feel "bitter" with the moves of some independent organisations and the military, resulting in the creation of ironic words without actually intending to launch any move to divide the country into regions.

Ms Thida said the UDD will not do anything, including separating the country, which is opposed by the Thai majority.

She said the formation of an armed group is also not the policy of the red shirts.

UDD leader Nisit Sinthuprai said the red shirt supporters will hold another mass rally in the North this Saturday. He said the protesters will kick off their rally in Lampang province, pass through Lamphun and then stop at Chiang Mai in the late afternoon where a main rally stage is located.

Key red shirt leader Vorachai Hema today slammed the army's security operations around Lumpini Park where the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Suthep Thaugsuban has encamped.

He said the army's action can be considered as protection of the anti-government protesters. He also urged army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha to withdraw the troops and return them to their barracks, saying the country is not in a state of war.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika