BANGKOK, Feb 17 (TNA) - On the heels of a government denial of blocking anti-government demonstrators from moving to the capital, pivotal United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Nattawut Saikua announced a high-profile move into Bangkok's central business district with a rally planned for Friday at Bangkok Bank's Silom Road headquarters.

In an apparent attempt to raise the political temperature, the Red Shirt leader said the protesters will disclose information claiming that Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda unfairly favoured a group of businesspersons investing in a golf resort in the eastern province of Chanthaburi.

Gen Prem is a former prime minister and is the highest profile direct target of the Red Shirt demonstrators.
 
Thailand's minister of natural resources and environment earlier Wednesday denied an accusation that he has signed an order mobilising and arming thousands of forest rangers nationwide to the capital in an attempt to prevent the anti-government Red Shirts from gathering in Bangkok.

Jatuporn Prompan, opposition Puea Thai Party MP and core leader of the Red-Shirt United Front for
Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), earilier claimed that he has evidence to prove that Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitthi signed an order to mobilise 6,000 forest rangers with firearms to the capital to block the Red Shirts coming to rally here.

However, Mr Suwit dismissed the accusation as totally unfounded.

"How could he claim that he has got the signed order since I've never signed such an order? I hate violence and neither want to see any confrontation nor violence," Mr Suwit stated, adding that he has instructed all civil servants to remain impartial.

Combined units of police and military as well as civil defence volunteers are now closely manning key areas and buildings across the capital in the run-up to the Supreme Court's February 26 ruling whether or not to seize the assets worth Bt76 billion of convicted forme prime minister Thaksin  Shinawatra. About 200 checkpoints have been set up in Bangkok and adjacent areas.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri dismissed reports that the government has allocated special funds to deter the anti-government activities during the so-called "10 dangerous days" leading to the February 26 court ruling.

Mr Trairong said the government does not need any special budget allocation as it can handle the situation by managing its normal budget. (TNA)