BANGKOK, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Thailand's caretaker government Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya on Thursday called a meeting of authorities concerned to prepare measures for dealing with the next mass rally of anti-Thaksin groups planned at Sanam Luang (Royal Square) on March 5 and to assess security situation in Thailand's southern border region.

    Security measures for caretaker government Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's address to the public at Sanam Luang Friday evening were also planned.

    Authorities invited to attend the meeting include Defense Minister Gen. Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya, Permanent Secretary for Defense Gen. Sirichai Tanyasiri, Supreme Commander Gen. Ruengroj Mahasaranond, Army Chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, Navy Chief Adm. Satirapan Keyanon, Air Force Chief ACM. Chalit Pukbhasuk and National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kowit Watana, according to Thai News Agency.

    Thammarak was quoted by Thai News Agency as saying that the meeting had resolved that identical measures would be employed at both public gatherings on March 3 and March 5 with metropolitan police forces being assigned to play a vital role in keeping peace and order, while the military being a back-up force.

    People attending both of the gatherings would not allowed to carry any weapons, he noted.

    Chidchai affirmed that the caretaker government would not resort to the emergency decree to cope with any rally-related incidents, particularly those led by the People's Alliance for Democracy on March 5.   Enditem