Thailand's red shirts head for Bangkok

Thailand's capital is bracing for possible violence as anti-government activists prepare to carry out a major protest. Vigilant officials have beefed up security ahead of this weekend's rally.

After holding meetings around the country, Thailand's Red Shirts plan to converge on Bangkok on Sunday.

Followers of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra intend to stage their own version of a "million man march." They hope their actions will force current leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to call for new elections.

Some allies of the Red Shirts are openly warning of armed retribution if their protests are suppressed.

About two dozen foreign embassies have issued travel advisories. The Thai government, however, is advising against panic.

Suthep Thaugsuban, Thai Deputy Prime Minister,said, "If the march is peaceful, that's fine. But if they block the roads and disrupt the lives of the innocent citizens of Bangkok, they'll be breaking the law, and we'll press charges against them."

Thailand's security forces have set up roadblocks at all of Bangkok's main access points. One government spokesman says more than 30-thousand security officials, and 46-thousand "civilian defense volunteers," are on standby as well.

The group's last major rally in the Thai capital deteriorated into raucous rioting. Two people were killed, and more than 120 injured, during that dismal demonstration last April.