Thai military concerned protest could turn violent

The protesters have occupied the Government House compound since August and are demanding that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resign. They accuse him of being a proxy for his brother-in-law, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.

The protest group, which calls itself the People's Alliance for Democracy, has been attacked several times by small bombs and grenades, including a blast Thursday that killed one person and wounded 29, and another on Saturday that injured eight.

The alliance plans a mass demonstration on Sunday in a final push to "finish off" the government, key protest leader Chamlong Srimuang said.

The protesters are expected to march to Parliament in an attempt to block a Monday session of lawmakers.

"It will be the biggest PAD movement to finish off this illegal government," Chamlong told about 2,000 protesters at Government House on Saturday. "If we cannot drive out this illegal government then we will give up and let them do whatever they want to the country. Everyone in PAD will go home."

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Khaewkamnerd said the demonstration could turn violent if the protesters march to Parliament.

The army urged the government to postpone or change the site of the parliamentary session but it refused, Sansern said, adding that the army will station about 2,000 soldiers in the area as a precaution.

"Police will be responsible for control of the situation but the military will be on call to support police in keeping order," Sansern said in a telephone interview.

Bangkok police chief Gen. Jongrak Jutanon said 2,400 police would be stationed outside Parliament.