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Anti-Thaksin protests hit climax

Protest songs and flag waving lent a carnival atmosphere yesterday to the crowd of thousands rallying in downtown Bangkok in a final bid to oust Thailand's prime minister ahead of next week's trouble-plagued election.

Buoyed by chants of "Thaksin, get out!" several thousand people demanding Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's resignation began gathering near the premier's offices as protest organizers handed out fans to ward off the heat.

Tens of thousands more are expected later to join the rally, which security officials say will be the largest protest yet since anti-Thaksin crowds took to the streets early last month.

Wearing yellow headbands that have come to symbolize the anti-Thaksin movement, dozens of protesters stood in line for cups of ice water while a band on a nearby stage blared protest songs describing the struggle against authoritarian rule.

A sign written in English was posted on the fence of Government House, the heart of Thaksin's administration, reading "For Rent."

The crowd waved colorful flags with messages of solidarity for Thailand's revered king, as authorities braced for another night of street demonstrations.

"We have prepared three companies of police so in case of an emergency they can take action," said police General Chidchai Vanasathidya, Thailand's deputy prime minister.

As many as 10,000 police -- more than twice the number posted at previous rallies -- have been mobilized, with another 10,000 officers on standby, officials said.

Special Branch Police estimated up to 100,000 people might gather yesterday night as the People's Alliance for Democracy stages its final rally demanding Thaksin's resignation before next week's polls.

Thaksin called elections for April 2, three years early, in a bid to end the daily demonstrations against him and extricate Thailand from a political deadlock that threatens to push the kingdom into a constitutional crisis.

Advance voting began yesterday for those who can not make it to the polls in April. The main opposition Democrat party has said it will boycott the election, further deepening the political uncertainty.

At a separate rally on Friday night, the Democrats urged Thaksin and his Cabinet to quit and ask King Bhumibol Adulyadej to appoint an interim premier.
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