Thailand army is standing by yo control UDD protest in Bangkok. 22 Thai army companies are preparing to provide backup for security forces and Thai police during the planned UDD protest (Thai Red-Shirts) at government offices in Bangkok coming Tuesday, when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rallies at Thailand's Government House.

Thai army commander-in-chief Anupong Paochinda said Bangkok police had requested reinforcements as they feared the situation would get out of hand and escalate in riots.

General Anupong further said that the army units would provide protection at Bangkok's government offices.

UDD core leaders said demonstrators would not invade government premises but were prepared to spend the night at the protest area.

The Gay Pride parade in Chiang Mai was canceled last Saturday when more than 100 Red-Shirted demonstrators sealed off the parade venue. Hundreds of tourists and participants of the Gay Pride parade were locked-in as demonstrators refused to leave the parade area.

Unt Muangmoonthai, an activist from the Thai northern youth networks, said the Gay Pride Festival in Chiang Mai had nothing to do with Thailand's politics. The Chiang Mai event was only aimed at promoting HIV/Aids awareness and social equality.

Unt Muangmoonthai said that Thailand's Red-Shirt demonstrators are merely trying to invoke riots and violence.