DWB

Social critic Prawase Wasi Thursday has warned the government to exercise restraint in controlling the crowd at the anti-Thaksin rally on February 4 - in order to avert violence.

"Past cases show that the government response will determine whether a rally turns violent," he said.

Prawase also called on rally organiser Sondhi Limthongkul to abide by the law.

"Sondhi has the right to hold the rally as well as an obligation to prevent violence," he said.

Bloodshed could happen if opposing parties confront each other, he said. In a previous case, violence ensued because the Thanom Kittikachorn government cracked down on a rally and arrested organisers, he added.