Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attacked the government’s handling of the economy today and told thousands of cheering supporters not to abandon the fight for democracy in one of the largest demonstrations to hit the kingdom in months.

Leaders of demonstrations that plunged Thailand’s capital into chaos said today they were calling off their protests after combat troops ringed their last stronghold.

Thousands of troops fired warning shots and tear gas at anti-government protesters rampaging across Bangkok today, forcing demonstrators to regroup for what organisers said would be a “final stand”.

The Thai prime minister entered his office unhindered today, easing fears of confrontation after 20,000 anti-government protesters surrounded the building the day before demanding that parliament be dissolved and new elections held.

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators allied with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra staged their first major protest of the year in Bangkok today, demanding the government dissolve Parliament and call snap elections.