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Published on July 8, 2007

"Prem's opponents should stop using rude words, innuendo and inappropriate behaviour to air their views," Nipit Intarasombat said.

Nipit met briefly with Prem's aide, Vice Admiral Pajun Tamprateep, in a show of moral support. He stepped into the fray after anti-coup activists led by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship staged a series of rallies at which they accused Prem of masterminding the military intervention in September.

Meanwhile, Dusit police station has beefed up security around the Royal Plaza and all routes leading to Prem's Si Sao Thewes residence to discourage anti-coup protesters from organising a march.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont urged protesters to abide by the law, saying he respected the right to hold a peaceful demonstration but would not tolerate unruly crowds. Surayud said he saw no justification for anti-coup activists to continue attacking Prem with innuendoes.

"As royal adviser to the King, Prem has no involvement in politics and his sole duty is to give his opinions as sought by His Majesty," he said.

He said speculation linking Prem to the coup was groundless.

In Songkhla, about 100 residents held a rally to oppose anti-coup cam-paigner Veera Musigapong's plan to march to Prem's residence.

They threatened to march on Veera's home in Ranot district if he went ahead with his rally plan in Bangkok.

Veera had already called off his march before the Songkhla rally took place yesterday.

Many residents see Prem as the proud son of their home town and are critical

of Veera, who is also a Songkhla native, whom they see as being ungrateful. Veera attained his political prominence in the 1980s when Prem was prime minister.