A red-shirt exodus to Bangkok

Meanwhile, security officials have been instructed to brace for an uprising because the red shirts might besiege city halls across the country.

In Ubon Ratchathani, 500 red-shirt protesters travelled to Bangkok in 40 cars loaded with supplies. In Sakhon Nakhon, six buses full of the red shirts headed for the Government House, where the main rally is located.

At least 200 police officers are on standby in case of violence in Chiang Mai, where the red-shirt movement is getting stronger.

Nakhon Ratchasima's police chief has ordered the immediate setting up of a checkpoint so red shirts could be blocked from entering Bangkok.

More than 2,000 People's Alliance for Democracy gathered at the Krabi city hall yesterday to voice their intention of protecting the monarchy.

In Si Sa Ket, a group of government supporters attacked ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for making accusations against Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. Niyom Rodniam, the group leader, called on Si Sa Ket residents to think carefully before joining the red shirts because they might fall victim to ill-intentioned people.

About 30 police officers were deployed to guard the road leading to Prem's residence in Ban Si Sao Thewes, apart from the bodyguards who are to keep the compound safe.

The red shirts have been threatening to lay siege to his residence since they began rallying early this month.