Masses of protesters swarm into Thai capital

TENS of thousands of red-shirted protesters rallied in Thailand’s capital yesterday to press their demand that the government dissolve parliament or face massive demonstrations in the city.

The protesters, many from the impoverished northeast and north, want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call new elections, which they believe will allow their political allies to regain power. The crowd estimated by police at more than 100,000 rallied peacefully under a blazing sun. Loud pop music and rural delicacies such as spicy papaya salad competed with fiery rhetoric for their attention.

Bangkok’s notorious traffic was light and businesses were shuttered as many citizens feared a repeat of past violence during the four-day demonstrations, which officially began yesterday but have been building for two days as caravans of protesters poured into the city. The demonstrators stressed they will use only peaceful means.