Thai PM says his goal is to heal political divide

The Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship - also known as the "red shirts" because of their attire - is an eclectic mix of Thaksin loyalists, farmers from the countryside as well as laborers from the cities including the capital Bangkok.

Thaksin, once one of the country's richest men, was ousted in a 2006 coup and remains in self-imposed exile.

Several thousand of his supporters converged Monday on the street leading to Parliament, clapping and cheering as singers and protest leaders chastised the incoming government.

"We are here for democracy," said Narumol Thanakarnpanich, a 53-year-old university professor from Bangkok. "We want a new government."

They have demanded the new government dissolve the legislature and call general elections, which they believe would be won easily by the pro-Thaksin camp because of its strong rural support base.

The scene was reminiscent of the last round of protests, when yellow-shirted protesters opposed to Thaksin first took over the prime minister's residence and the airports. That group is aligned with Thailand's educated elite who viewed Thaksin's six years in power as deeply corrupt and a threat to their interests.

The sit-ins staged by both sides have shared the same relaxed festival feel, with security forces largely leaving the protesters alone.

Thailand's government was forced to change the venue of its key policy speech Tuesday as thousands of demonstrators loyal to Thaksin surrounded Parliament, extending months of political turmoil.

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