A bad House day

The People's Alliance for Democracy's plan to lay siege to Government House has forced the government to cancel all its meetings today. They will be held at other state buildings.

More than 20,000 PAD supporters are expected to gather at Government House today. There are fears of violence. Police have been ordered to "prevent them taking control of the premises".

Metropolitan Police have also asked five schools near Government House to close today. They want students out of the way, should there be trouble. Motorists and public transport have been advised to avoid the area, too.

PM Samak Sundaravej will move his office to the Foreign Ministry for the day. His deputy and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee will meet officials at the ministry building. Most state workers employed at the building are not expected at work today.

A National Counter Corruption Commissioner says witnesses expected to appear before the commission today have been advised to turn up at the Phetchaburi Road office. The commission's headquarters are opposite Government House.

Commission chairman Panthep Klanarongran has tightened security to protect important documents.

People from all over the country joined the rally yesterday. At least 10,000 state enterprise workers promise to join it at Government House.

A Government House source says police blocked all gates last night. They are "analysing the protesters' strategy".

Security at Government House suggests staff work a half day today to allow them "more flexibility".

Police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan says they will negotiate with the PAD not to cross Makkhawan Bridge and gather at Government House.

He insists police will not use force to suppress the protesters, and will avoid confrontation.

Army commander-in-chief General Anupong Paochinda believes police will be able to keep control.

"The military will not be involved with every political issue. Political problems must be addressed in a political way," he says.

Royal advice

His Majesty the King yesterday advised two newly appointed ministers to carry out their duties with righteousness and help the country overcome obstacles.

"Carry out your duties correctly because the government is the top official team that runs the country ... If the government carried out its duties with righteousness, it would help the country overcome obstacles, otherwise it would be hard for the country to survive," His Majesty said.

HM was speaking at the Klai Kangwol Palace after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej brought Social Development and Human Security Minister Chavarat Charnweerakul and deputy Health Minister Wicharn Meenchainant for a royal audience after they were appointed.