"I want to see the unity of people in our country. Politics should follow the democratic path. It's not about winning over others," Thaksin said.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is holding its non-violent rally at 4pm at Sanam Luang before it heads down Rajdamnoen Avenue to the monument, a few kilometres away, PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said.

"The rally will go on. And we won't stop unless we win," Suriyasai told a press conference after a meeting of the PAD's "decision-making group".

He dismissed rumours that

the protesters would march on critical targets like Government House, Parliament or Thaksin's residence.

Suriyasai and five other PAD leaders - Chamlong Srimuang, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Piphob Dhongchai, Sondhi Limthongkul and Somsak Kosaisuk - met with 22 committee members in the afternoon at the October 14 Memorial, near Democracy Monument.

Sondhi said Thaksin did not have to meet him at his home as he and other PAD leaders would go over to the premier's residence later.

The premier's friend-turned-foe, who is credited with launching the anti-Thaksin movement, de-nounced the ruling party's leader for forcing a "dangerous rift" in society.

He claimed the large crowd that gathered to support Thaksin at a pro-government rally on Friday was mobilised through the use of state funds and connections with local authorities.

"They may spend a few billions of baht to support Thaksin to become prime minister forever. One day they may buy the way for him to a presidency," he said.

Chamlong, the political mentor of Thaksin, issued another open letter disputing the explanations that the premier gave before the big crowd on Friday. He said Thaksin's stepping down was the only way to solve the country's political crisis. Friday's rally and Thaksin's campaign to encourage supporters to send postcards to Government House had widened the gulf between pro- and anti-Thaksin groups, he added.

PAD issued a statement pointing to 10 reasons why the "Thaksin regime" has lost its legitimacy. These included alleged tax evasion by the prime minister's family in its sale of Shin Corp shares, intervention in the work of independent organisations, privatisation of state enterprises for the benefit of cronies and foreign investors, control of the mass media, severe human rights violations and failure to implement educational reform.

About 5,000 police will be deployed at Sanam Luang to maintain peace and order this afternoon, National Police spokesman Lt-General Achirawit Suwanphesat said.

Extra protection would be provided for Government House, the prime minister's residence, and the head office of the ruling party, he said.

A group of 14 eminent figures issued an open letter, calling on authorities to tolerate a peaceful protest and the demonstrators to avoid causing trouble or inciting violence.

The group urged members of the public to monitor the mass media and boycott any of outlet that distorted the facts.

Signatories included Senator Jon Ungphakorn, former constitution drafter Kasem Sirisamphan, academic Nithi Eowsriwong, former Government Savings Bank president Paiboon Wattanasiritham, monk Phra Paisal Visalo and economist Rangsan Thanapornphan.

A source said a group of senior academics, including Chai-anan Samudavanija and Pramote Nakornthap, would petition His Majesty the King today to appoint a prime minister. More than 100 senior academics had signed the petition, the source added.