Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of Bangkok on Friday demanding the release of their leaders, who were jailed following mass opposition demonstrations earlier this year. Police Major General Wichai Sangparpai estimated that more than 10,000 people joined the gathering at the Democracy Monument in the historic district, eight months after deadly clashes in the same area.
About 1,000 police officers were on standby at the latest protest, where red-clad crowds shouted slogans, sang songs and hung red paper birds symbolising freedom. It was the latest show of strength by the movement, which has defied a state of emergency to stage a series of peaceful gatherings in recent months.
A two-month rally by the Reds, many of whom back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, attracted up to 100,000 people in April and May demanding immediate elections, but was broken up by the army. More than 90 people ultimately died in clashes between armed soldiers and demonstrators, marking Thailand's worst civil violence in decades.
After the military crushed the rally, a small group of hardcore protesters set dozens of major buildings ablaze in the heart of Bangkok, including a shopping mall and the stock exchange. The mainly poor and working class Reds accuse the government of being an undemocratic elite and were campaigning for immediate elections. Abhisit refused but must call an election before his term finishes at the end of 2011.