Thai protesters to march on Bangkok

Protesters massed in Thailand today for a march on Bangkok they hope will paralyse the capital on Sunday and force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call new elections.

Supporters of fugitive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra have vowed to keep the demonstration peaceful. Some handed single-stem roses to policemen.

The protesters oppose the 2006 military coup that toppled Thaksin and believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately, with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional Thai ruling class who were fearful of Thaksin's popularity.

The group's last protest in Bangkok last April deteriorated into rioting in which two were killed and more than 120 injured. The army was called in to quash the unrest.

Several schools closed in Bangkok today and foreigners were advised by more than 30 embassies and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to stay away from the protests.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban sought to assure the public they were not targets. "So far, people in Bangkok can still live their lives normally," he said.

"They should be on the lookout for violence but do not panic. There have been reports that targets would be government offices, not people's homes."