Exchange of blame for violence

"Supporters of [former PM] Thaksin can't stand it and they come out to scare away the [PAD protesters]. If the PAD doesn't stop this practice of holding rallies in the provinces, they will always face angry government supporters. And the bickering will never stop," Chalerm said.

But the PAD accused "the puppet government" of unleashing "pro-government thugs" on its demonstrations in Udon Thani and Buri Ram.

Chalerm said the PAD's recent activities upcountry had upset government supporters as their beloved politicians, especially Thaksin Shinawatra, were "unfairly" criticised with derogatory words. "I wonder if the PAD is concerned that news has spread all over the world that Thais are killing each other [although no one died]," he said.

The PAD in a statement denounced the assaults on its followers and hinted that they would counter-attack. "People at the receiving end may finally rise to fight back. And that time is near," the PAD warned.

The statement advised supporters against holding rallies in provinces where "you can't rely on police and state officials for security" and urged them to join the PAD's campaign in Bangkok instead. It also called on Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, as director of the Internal Security Operations Command, to "show more responsibility than staying neutral" in order to prevent widespread bloodshed.

In Udon Thani, 15 people were injured, including two police, when furious pro-government people forced their way past police barriers to attack PAD supporters at a local park.

In Buri Ram, a pro-government gang clashed with police and left 14 officers injured when the men forced their way into the PAD's assembly and tore down the stage. Fourteen people were arrested, two of them from a PAD-affiliated group, for obstructing police duties and destroying property.

Kwanchai Praipana, leader of the Udon Thai Patriots Club,  said his people had been attacked by PAD supporters first. Charoen Mookhachornpan, a local PAD leader, said Kwanchai had used his control of a local radio station to incite violence.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said he had learned that funds had been distributed to provinces to hire participants for such anti-PAD activities.

"Some provinces got more than Bt30 million each."