BANGKOK, March 13, (AFP) - Tens of thousands of supporters of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra streamed through military checkpoints outside the capital Saturday as they headed to a rally aimed at toppling the government.
Thai authorities have deployed a 50,000-strong security force, including soldiers, to patrol the streets and search protesters entering the city, as they fear some could incite trouble ahead of Sunday's main rally.
Up to 20,000 protesters in their signature red shirts passed through the busiest checkpoint in Ayutthaya, 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Bangkok, on Saturday morning, the provincial governor told AFP.
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| Supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra shout slogans as they head to a protest in Bangkok, in Ayutthaya province on March 13. AFP |
Governor Withaya Pewpong said another 15,000 Red Shirts, waving red flags and travelling mostly by pick-up truck and car, were expected to enter the city via the northern post, manned by 700 unarmed soldiers and police.
"The protesters have been cooperating well with the security officials who are focused on looking for weapons and explosives and checking identity cards," Withaya said.
Organisers insist the protests will be peaceful, but the government has enacted the strict Internal Security Act to monitor the rally, allowing authorities to set up checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movements.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has refused to bow to the protesters' demand to step down and call elections, spoke to reporters after meeting with ministers and top brass at a military barracks on Saturday.
"We should not be complacent because there are some groups of people still wanting to create violence and cause confrontations," said Abhisit, who has cancelled a weekend trip to Australia because of the rally.
Around 6,500 protesters attended early demonstrations at several spots in Bangkok on Friday that passed without major incident, police said. |
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