At least 100,000 red shirt supporters from across the country are expected to join a pro-government rally at Muang Thong Thani today to counter anti-amnesty bill protesters, a red shirt network leader said.
MAKING A POINT: Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, who is leading a protest against the amnesty bill, gets on the stage at Democracy Monument.
Anuwat Thinnarat, chairman of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's network in the Northeast, said he has coordinated with leaders of UDD networks in all 20 northeastern provinces to mobilise members.
They will join the planned mass gathering at the area behind Muang Thong United football stadium at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi.
More than 30,000 people from the Northeast were expected to take part in the rally, Mr Anuwat said.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, 40 buses and 20 vans have been arranged to transport people from all 32 districts in the province to the venue, he said.
He estimated at least 100,000 red shirts across the country would gather.
Mr Anuwat insisted the UDD-led rally was aimed at protecting democracy and the Pheu Thai-led elected government.
He lashed out at anti-amnesty bill protest groups for expanding their aim from halting the bill to ousting the elected government.
The protest groups have been steadfast in their rallies and were trying all means to oust the government, he said.
He said the red-shirt demonstrators would not confront the anti-government protesters at Democracy Monument.
They would stay at Muang Thong Thani for only one day before returning home.