The People Power Party's key coalition partners called for an urgent meeting Friday night, while Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda rejected Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's plan to declare a state of emergency.
Although the coalition allies reportedly reaffirmed their support for Samak for the moment, they covered all possible solutions at the urgent meeting, including a proposal for him to either resign or dissolve the House of Representatives.
There were reports that Anupong also made both those suggestions in a private meeting with Samak, a source said. This, however, could not be confirmed.
Anupong and Samak met privately after the premier, who is also defence minister, met the Army's top brass at the Thai Armed Forces headquarters.
Anupong earlier Friday also ruled out a coup, saying it was not a way to solve the current crisis.
The coalition partners held the emergency meeting at Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapaarcha's residence late Friday night, during which they discussed a proposal for Samak to resign, instead of dissolving the House of Representatives, according to sources. However, a TV report said that after the heated debate, the coalition partners agreed to continue backing Samak.
Deputy Prime Minsiter and senior Chart Thai member Sanan Kachornprasart was said to be the one who "coordinated" the meeting.
Samak earlier Friday did not rule out the use of the controversial Emergency Act, saying he wanted to wait until after Saturday's opening ceremony for a government-sponsored event to be presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Meanwhile, Samak's People Power Party (PPP) on Friday set up a war room at Siam City Hotel, with PM's secretary general Thirapol Noplumpa and Newin Chidchob as key figures.
The ruling party plans to bring in a large number of supporters from the provinces to Sanam Luang to help shore up the government being battered by the People's Alliance for Democracy.
If the situation worsened, the government will also consider dissolving Parliament, said PPP sources.
Samak said the government had relocated the event, organised to boost national unity, from Government House to Suan Amporn.
Samak's statement contradicted that of Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, who told reporters separately that neither a coup nor a declaration of a state of emergency would solve the current crisis.
Anupong, trying to play it safe, as any move could prove to be costly politically, called on all parties to reconcile their differences.
The two men took part in a Defence Council meeting along with other military top brass and senior security officers. It lasted for more than two hours.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Samak rhetorically asked the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD): "Where do you people think you're going with all of this? Are you Thai?"
The embattled premier was visibly upset and shouted out his answers to waiting reporters.
Trying hard to put himself in a positive light but unable to hide his anger, Samak told reporters some security officials wanted him to declared a state of emergency but that he wanted to wait until after today's event before considering the matter.
The statement was the first time that Samak had hinted at possibly changing his mind. Up until yesterday's meeting, Samak consistently ruled out the use of force against the PAD and its tens of thousands of street protest?ers, who have shown great will?ingness to clash with authorities if need be. Scuffles between police and protesters broke out yesterday as hundreds of riot police entered Government House. PAD protesters claimed victory in pushing them out of the compound, but Samak told reporters he was the one who had ordered the officers to retreat.
Yet Samak vowed not to quit.
"I don't want to announce a state of emergency, because that would destroy the atmosphere [of the event]," Samak said. "I'll hold off until tomorrow. It's a grand event."
The PAD has defied court orders calling on it to pull out of Government House. Arrest warrants have been issued against the PAD leaders on charges of treason.
Samak reminded reporters he was in for the long haul, saying: "Arrest warrants last for 10 years. I still have time to go after them."
Giving a traditional wai, he pleaded with the public to stay at home and not join the PAD protesters.
Samak also cancelled a state visit to Japan scheduled for next Tuesday to Thursday.
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