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Updated Saturday, November 29, 2008 11:52 am TWN, By MICHAEL CASEY, AP

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Thai protesters defiant as police increase presence at occupied airport

Police, many in full riot gear, also had a much more visible presence, guarding an airport hotel and airport management offices, and assembling in a nearby administrative building. There appeared to be several hundred in the area.

But acting National Chief Gen. Pateep Tanprasert insisted they would do everything they could to avert a crackdown on protesters.

"We are following the prime minister's instruction to end the crisis as soon as possible," Pateep said. "My strategy is also based on nonviolence. Currently, we are trying to open negotiations with protesters."

In downtown Bangkok, about 20 soldiers - unarmed but wearing flak jackets and carrying batons and shields - were posted near Victory Monument, a roundabout that hosts a station of the city's elevated transit system.

A soldier who refused to give his name told The Associated Press the unit was sent out "to monitor the situation in case third parties and ill-intended people decide to get involved."

The Thai government on Thursday declared a state of emergency at Suvarnabhumi and at the smaller Don Muang domestic airport but has not taken any further firm steps. Its failure to end the airport closures has led to calls in the media for Somchai to step down, even from those who oppose the protesters.

In a brief televised speech Friday night, Somchai gave no clue as to when the deadlock might be resolved. He did, however, demote the national police chief amid speculation the two had policy disagreements.

"Do not be concerned. The security forces will use peaceful means," Somchai said. "There will be negotiations and whatever else which is appropriate in the situation."

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kua said National Police Chief Gen. Pacharawat Wongsuwan was demoted to an inactive post in the prime minister's office.

Nattawut declined to comment on the order, issued by Somchai.

The airport takeover capped months of demonstrations that took a dramatic turn when the protest alliance seized the prime minister's office three months ago, virtually paralyzing the government.

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