Kulchorn Wichpaibool, a representative of the Network of Dentists for Democracy, said it would join other groups of medical professionals to rally health personnel to stand up against Thaksin.

"We have expanded our network to every hospital and rural health station nationwide. We expect more than 100,000 personnel in our professions to join the campaign and participate in network activities," Kulchorn said.

"Almost 100 per cent of health personnel are ready to join," he asserted.

He added many working in the medical field were afraid of openly opposing the government for fear of reprisals, but had secretly supported the movement.

Kulchorn said 92 medical officials who had openly campaigned against Thaksin were not afraid of persecution because they believed what they were doing was for the country and the national interest.

He said medical and health groups hoped former colleagues now in government - including Government Spokesman Dr Surapong Suebwonglee and PM's secretary-general Dr Prommin Lertsuridej - were still able to tell right from wrong.

Meanwhile, Anan Laolertworakul, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Arts Faculty, yesterday said the government was trying to discredit the anti-Thaksin movement by describing its members as "familiar faces", referring to regular critics.

He said many academics and health officials in the movement had joined People's Alliance for Democracy rallies because they wanted public exposure.

It did not mean they agreed on all

issues.

The lecturer said institutions of higher education would next Thursday issue a statement asking Thaksin to quit and allow a neutral investigation into a host of allegations against him.

In a related development, Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan yesterday urged the Civil Society Network to Stop the Thaksin System (CSNSTS) to stop "using Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda as a tool to achieve its political goals".

The group led by Assoc Prof Sangsit Piriyarangsanan planned to visit Prem at home on Saturday to offer him support and ask him to be a "pillar for democracy".