"Red Shirts" begin to gather in Bangkok

Anti-government demonstrators, known as "Red Shirts," have gathered in Bangkok for what they promise will be a non-violent "million man march" this weekend. They intend to paralyze the Thai capital and force the government to call elections.

Buried underneath this festive spectacle is a serious political goal.

Protesters are calling for the end of Thailand's current government.

An opening ceremony, scheduled ahead of this weekend's massive rallies, took place at five key areas in the nation's capital city on Friday.

Jatuporn Prompan, Red Shirt Leader, said, "We are gathering in groups nationwide at noon today and drumming up our campaign in small groups. The really big gathering will take place on March 14th."

Thousands of Red Shirts from the North and Northeast have also started their march to the capital. They will arrive in Bangkok on Sunday.

Up to 600-thousand people are expected to turn out for the rally, which may be one of the country's largest.

The government has beefed up security in the capital. But authorities say forces handling the protest will not be armed.

Suthep Thaugsuban, Thai Deputy Prime Minister, said, "Our 50,000 security personnel are not armed, and I've made it clear that the only people who will carry weapons are police officers on regular duty to patrol and keep peace in residential areas. The soldiers and other force handling the protest will not be armed."

Thai officials have also warned of potential sabotage, including arson and bombings. Several roads close to areas where demonstrators may march have already been closed.