Mission almost completed, says prime minister

n his national television address, Abhisit said the "mission was almost completed".

He reiterated his intention to "return peace to Thai society" before the end of the Songkran holiday on Wednesday.

His address came after a day of riot in many locations all over the city. Security forces, consisting mostly of troops, managed to disperse rioting protesters in a crackdown that began early in the morning.

The prime minister said protesters now were gathering at the main rally site outside Government House. He called on those who disagree to rioting protesters to leave the protest site, adding that authorities would offer them transport home.

Abhisit insisted that nobody was killed in Monday's crackdown, denying attempts to "distort the facts".

He said such attempts now also came from overseas, referring to a claim made by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra that "many" of the protesters were killed and their bodies were taken away on military truck. Thaksin made the claim while being interviewed by the US-based television network CNN.

Abhisit, however, expressed regret to the deaths of two residents in the Nang Lerng area. The two men were among those shot by a group of red-clad protesters engaged in a clash with them.

The PM also thanked the security forces involved in the crackdown and certain city residents for their bravery and support to the authorities.

He called for unity among the authorities involved and cooperation from public members.

The broadcast showed the prime minister speaking at the head of a table while seated around the table were senior Cabinet members and military and police commanders.