Pink Shirts rally in support of Thai premier

The group, which calls itself the "Civilians Protecting the Country" network, also included fans of the anti-Parliament dissolution page on Facebook. They urged authorities to step up against the red-shirt protesters currently occupying Bangkok's Rajprasong intersection, The Nation reported.

The demonstrators waved national Thai flags, carried signs such as "We love the King. Thai people don't have colour", and handed out roses, snacks and energy drinks to the soldiers there.

Tul Sittisomvong, a leader of the group, said from a mobile stage that the group did not want Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House of Representatives and did not want him to step down from office either. They claimed that the "silent powers" - people who did not join any movement - continued to back the premier and trust him. Speakers included members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) General Pathompong Kesornsuk and lawyer Nithithorn Lamlua.

"The Civilians Protecting the Country group also handed out copies of a statement saying the red-shirt rally in Bangkok instigated social division, amounted to lese majeste, and created violence. They alleged the red-shirt gathering violated the Constitution and had the intention of overthrowing the democratic form of government with the King as head of state. The group hence would exercise its right to protect lives, property and communities, as per Articles 70 and 71 of the 2007 Constitution. They also urged other members of the public to express their intention to protect their lives, property and the country's peace," The Nation wrote. 

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