The PM made an appeal after chairing a security conference of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on March 13.

He said the government is still controlling the situation and making every effort to ensure the rally will take place in order and peace in the coming days. He called on the people not to panic over rumours and urged them to report on unusual activities if they spot any.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the government will take bold measures to disperse protestors if they blockade roads or seize public offices.

He released the warning amidst public worry that some UDD supporters could storm into government offices and blockade key targets as the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) did in 2008, in an attempt to overthrow the government.

Security has been tightened in the capital, especially around the government building, ministry headquarters, military camps and Siriraj hospital where the King is being treated. Suvanarbhumi international airport has raised its security alert to level 3.