Thailand’s army said today it would begin limiting supplies of water, food and electricity to protesters camped in central Bangkok in a bid to clear the streets by midnight.

Thai anti-government protesters said today they accept prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s proposal to hold elections in November but will not end their Bangkok protest unless a senior government official surrenders to authorities.

Security forces and agitated protesters faced off at a major intersection after bloody grenade attacks rattled Thailand’s chaotic capital – a scene of tense, weeks-long confrontations between die-hard demonstrators and a wavering government.

An anti-government protest leader staged a dramatic escape from a hotel surrounded by Thai police today.

Protesters in Thailand claimed a symbolic victory today after forcing soldiers to retreat from parts of Bangkok’s historic district, raising tensions in what so far has been a non-violent bid to bring down the government.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters converged on the venue of an Asian summit today, threatening to disrupt the annual meeting unless Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resigns.

Thailand said today it would call in army reinforcements if necessary to assure the safety of 15 Asian heads of state in the face of mass street protests demanding the resignation of the government.t

The Thai prime minister rejected calls for his resignation by thousands of anti-government protesters who ringed his office for a second day in a boisterous rally.