Despite its political goal, the march made by the so-called "stupid mobsters" was filled with memorable moments that perfectly reflected the Thai character.

Certainly, the media image of a mob marching en-masse with firm political intent would suggest the potential for violence. But for those taking part, the "mob" was a friendly and orderly event. The threat of an aggressive outburst couldn't have been further from our minds.

Rally members were typically made up of mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts and even grandparents. The sense of companionship was clear and the sociable atmosphere of camaraderie was everywhere.

At the long queue for the BMA mobile toilets, a man in his 50's killed some time talking to me while waiting for his wife. He had come from Chon Buri, he explained, adding that it cost his family around Bt1,000 every time they come to the rallies in Bangkok.

"The express toll is more than Bt100 and then there's the gasoline and our other expenses. But we still want to come. Though we also hope it is all over soon," he said.

I also started a conversation with another man in his 60's who was particularly enthusiastic and attentive - waving his flags in response to the speeches and joining the regular shouts of "Thaksin Awk-pai!" Most of the older members of the crowd had arrived in pairs, or accompanied by their offspring, but he was alone. "They don't know I'm here so I didn't drive. I took the bus from Rat Burana and I plan to go home by taxi."

Many of the more senior protesters came with foldable chairs that turned out to be very handy once the crowd was on the move. Once in a while on Rajdamnoen Avenue, you would spot them resting on their chairs. Those carrying plastic mats (being offered by vendors at Sanam Luang for Bt20) also unfolded the mats whenever they needed a break. Many others found it comfortable enough just to sit on the concrete, while many women rested in their partners' laps.

And if the foldable chairs were the senior protesters' accessory of choice, for the younger generation the accessory de rigeur was the digital camera.

"Take it easy" seemed to be the motto as the frontline of demonstrators approached their destination, Government House, at about 11.30pm - with the stragglers still passing Democracy Monument.

Although they were determined to march with the People's Alliance for Democracy, the pace was easy. "Move slowly, folks . . . " came the shout from the megaphones.

Breaks in the protesters' progress were punctuated by photo opportunities, with groups taking snapshots of their respective members, and other interesting sights - the line of policemen on the side of Rajdamnoen Nok Road making a particularly photogenic scene.

A father and three daughters from Sattahip in Chon Buri were among the slow marchers that numerous photographers could be seen asking permission to photograph. It was their warm family demeanour that won them the attention - the three teenage girls and their father carrying a colourful home-made banner that also attracted plenty of attention. The banner showed the family's political stance and informed their fellow protesters they were from Sattahip.

Taking and posing for photographs was a hit activity among the crowds, and in a few days time the photo shops will no doubt be inundated by demonstrators' shots.

"Let's take a group photo in case anyone's missing," joked a marcher who had also been in attendance at the tragic events of May 1992.

And further to the relaxed atmosphere, if demonstrators weren't posing for a photo, then they were snacking on food and drinks. Two branches of 7-Eleven on Rajdamnoen were doing a roaring trade thanks to the refreshment needs of the demonstrators. This, despite earlier cheers of response when one speaker urged them to boycott Thaksin-related businesses, including 7-Eleven. But with rumbling stomachs the protesters had to grab anything available from the convenience stores.

"I suppose they [the stores] were well-prepared in terms of feeding the protesters," said a man in his 30's buying four cans of beer.

Though he was keen to qualify that as this was a political rally, it wasn't his aim to get drunk, just to enhance the social atmosphere. He then left to share his cans among his university friends.

The demonstrators also had the attentive services of street vendors to thank for keeping them on the trail. Their carts followed the crowd everywhere. I asked one if she earned a lot. She smiled and said: "enough to feed a few children!"

Surprisingly, the rally also provided a reunion for long-lost friends and scenes of greeting and hugging on the streets as friends found each other were commonplace as the march progressed.

These light-hearted moments thankfully eased the crowd's political frustration, and perhaps shortened the distance, too, with everybody working together to meet their common goal of reaching Government House to make their political statement felt.

I'm not sure how different we are to our 1970s predecessors, but we can only hope that this non-violent means of political demonstration - with its strong sense of social conscience as well as fun - will prevail until we achieve our goal.

Veena Thoopkrajae

The Nation