Anti-government protesters besiege the Parliament

Thousands of anti-government protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy besieged the Parliament where MPs and senators are scheduled to meet on Monday morning.

The protesters vowed to march on to government offices and the stock exchange in their 'final' battle to oust Somchai government.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he will announce at 9.30am whether to proceed with the joint parliamentary session. The session is scheduled to start at 9.30am.

Chai earlier has refused to change the venue or postpone Monday's session. Some MPs and senators were in the Parliament. Some stayed overnight there.

The protesters completely blocked access to the parliament compound at about 8am after dozens of riot police armed only with shields retreated inside the compound.

The PAD, which called the march after a grenade blast last week killed one activist and wounded 23, said they planned to lay siege to other government offices, the stock exchange and homes of ruling coalition leaders.

PAD's co-leader Somkiart Pongpaiboon said, "May victory be with the people.' Somkiart is also Democrat MP.

Meanwhile Pipop Thongchai, a PAD co-leader, said the protesters would remain blocking the entrance to ensure that no parliamentary meeting could be held.

After besieging the Parliament, staffs of the People's Alliance for Democracy cut power cables that fed power into the compound of Parliament after the protesters besieged Parliament Monday morning.

They also set up a rally stage in front of Parliament on Uthong Road. The stage was built on two trucks.

ASTV also deployed a mobile broadcast unit to broadcast the protest live on its satellite TV.

Hundreds of protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy marched on the Sukhohai Road heading to the Chart Thai Party head office at 8:12 am, Channel 3 reported.