Thai protesters defiant as police increase presence at occupied airport

The likelihood of a violent confrontation still appeared high, as both protesters and police reinforced their presence at Suvarnabhumi international airport, seized Tuesday by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy.

The group also has taken over a smaller, domestic airport in Bangkok and the prime minister's office.

Alliance leader Chamlong Srimuang attempted to rally supporters gathered in the prime minister's compound, accusing police of blockading the airport to deny protesters food and water.

"This is urgent. If you want to join us, go help our friends in Suvarnabhumi," Chamlong said in a speech televised on the anti-government television station ASTV. "We are going to encircle police when they try and shut our friends out from any help."

The alliance is demanding the resignation of the government, which it accuses of being a puppet of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup and fled overseas to escape corruption charges. Current Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is Thaksin's brother-in-law.

The capital remains cut off from all civilian air traffic, stranding thousands of travelers and dealing a severe blow to the economy and tourism industry.

More protesters arrived at Suvarnabhumi in cars and buses despite road blocks set up by police, boosting their number to several thousand. One of the main elevated roads into the airport is controlled by the alliance's guards who are manning their own checkpoint.

"Our stance is clear. We do not negotiate," said Parnthep Wongpuapan, an alliance spokesman. "If police try to break in, we definitely will defend ourselves."

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