Thailand steps up security ahead of ASEAN summit

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-10-2009 13:44

Thailand has stepped up security as protesters vow to shift their massive anti-government rally to an ASEAN summit due to begin soon in the resort town of Pattaya.

A security officer walks past the flags of member countries attending the 14th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Pattaya April 9, 2009.REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV

And the prime minister has called a holiday to get people off the streets.

About 30-thousand protesters continued their anti-government rally in Bangkok, a day ahead of the three-day ASEAN summit.

The red shirts are demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign, along with the top adviser to the country's revered king.

They accuse the adviser of supporting the 2006 coup that toppled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

They also say Abhisit took power illegitimately and should step aside and call fresh elections.