The group issued a statement denouncing the Thaksin government, which it said had "caused an illusion to the entire country with its populist policies".

Instead of stamping out poverty, as promised by the government, the policies had worsened the problem and increased the number of poor Thais, the group said in a statement.

Future political reform needed to address the problems of the poor and protect the basic rights of the people, it said.

"The Assembly of the Poor believes that in order to achieve its goals, the force of the public has to push for them with the support of a democratically-installed government," the group said.

One of its leaders, Somboon Srikhamdokkae, said yesterday the group wanted the premier to resign and a new government to be democratically elected.

After holding a press conference at the Democracy Memorial, more than 100 members of the group went to Government House, where the People's Alliance for Democracy is holding an anti-Thaksin rally.

The Assembly of the Poor also organised a panel discussion at Democracy Memorial on the subject "Political reform must address structural problems".