Red-shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship poured blood in front of the gate of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's residence in Sukhumvit Soi 31 and threw bags of blood and other objects over the fence into the grounds on Wednesday.

Red-shirts gather around the prime minister's house before pouring blood. (Photo by Kitja Apichornrojarek)

The protesters managed to get to the house and perform their ritual in steady rain about noon, despite police efforts to keep them at least 5 metres from the fence.

After completing their mission, the red-shirts withdrew and headed for the United States embassy on Withayu road.

They wanted clarification from the embassy of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's reported remark that the US and some other countries had warned the Thai government of possible sabotage after they tapped the telephone conversations of convicted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

About 100 police stood in line in front of the embassy to ensure security. The UDD gathering completely blocked traffic on Withayu road for about half an hour.

UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan and a number of academics handed over the letter and demanded an explanation for Mr Suthep's remark.

Protesters gather outside the US embassy in Bangkok to demand explanation on Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's claim concerning Thaksin Shinawatra. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

An embassy official accepted the letter and said the US was not duty-bound to make any clarification, which should be made by Mr Suthep himself, said Mr Jatuporn.

Mr Suthep has denied naming any country, including the US.

The red-shirts started moving from Phan Fa bridge shortly after 9am past Siam Paragon, Central World and Ratchaprasong intersection, causing heavy traffic congestion on the outbound lanes of Sukhumvit road.

On arriving at the mouth of Sukhumvit Soi 31, they were barred from entering the soi, where police lined up in cordons to prevent them from getting close to the fence of the prime minister's house.

Analysis: Crowds, as might be reduced flow of protesters' blood, but the battle is not over,
The residents of Bangkok have been warned to be vigilant, even if the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship mass rally seems to be running out of steam.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday, threats of violence had increased despite a decline in the number of protesters in the capital, red shirt, which points to two bomb attacks in Bangkok and a bomb attack in Chiang Mai.

M79 grenade was referring to the 1st Infantry Regiment on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on Monday, the M79 grenade attack near the house of the President of the Supreme Administrative Court Ackrathorn Chularat in Lat Phrao and homemade bomb explosion at a company owned father of Newin Chidchob-in-law in Chiang Mai yesterday.

Peacekeeping Operation Command said that the number of supporters UDD gathering at Phan Fa Bridge had fallen from its peak of about 100,000 on Sunday. On Monday night the number was estimated at 25,000 and dropped to about 15,000 yesterday morning.



UDD leaders recognized the decline in the number of protesters on Sunday and said the protesters fresh reinforcements from other provinces should have arrived today.

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that the rate of mass participation was the only way to keep the pressure on the government to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for new elections.

"We do a rotation to maintain our strength," said Thaksin said last night. "If the number [of protesters] is down, we will be vulnerable."

Mr Suthep said threats of violence were probably from a group of people he described as "hard-core" and "underground".

"It 'a duty we keep troops, police and civilian volunteers where they are to keep the peace and maintain order," he said. "They will stay until they can guarantee the situation is returning to normal."

He said the security authorities had been warned of possible sabotage in the reports by foreign governments that have complete and efficient intelligent networks.
Citing intelligence reports, Mr. Suthep said at least two skyscrapers could be the target of acts of sabotage.

"If [the attacks] that would place a devastating impact," he said.

Mr Suthep said acts of violence were likely to be committed during the day when security measures were less stringent to avoid causing traffic congestion.

He also expressed concern at the slow pace of the investigation grenade attack on the 1st Infantry Regiment on Monday. Police investigators have no suspects so far.

POL Maj-Gen Prawut Thawornsiri, spokesman for the central command of police operations, said the UDD rally was to be wrapped up within a week, without any violence.

The information gathered by the rally indicated the majority of red shirts should return to their homes Friday.

"The crowds of tens of thousands of people have been reduced," Pol Maj-Gen Prawut said. "Some have already returned and many have become concerned for their companies. They have to disperse about 19 March."

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday the army had evaluated the UDD rally would continue for another seven days.

He said there were a number of factors including a drain on funds and heat.

Political observers said yesterday the government seemed to be sure who was in control.

Since the decision of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to leave the capital for a one-day visit to Tak and Phitsanulok yesterday to inspect the drought as a sign of the government to have control.

Mr. Abhisit yesterday reiterated that he was ready for talks with the UDD leader Veera Musikhapong to discuss the political situation.

But he insisted that he would not bow to request for a dissolution of the House UDD was unlikely to improve until the political system of the country.

Meanwhile, the night has accused Mr Thaksin Abhisit to have mental problems to ignore tens of thousands of demonstrators called 'for a dissolution.

In his speech to the crowd red, Thaksin said that Abhisit disperse red shirts if the number of protesters dropped due to the heat.