 Thousands of supporters of exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surrounded Thailand's Parliament on Monday, trying to pressure the government to dissolve the legislature and call snap general elections.
With only a handful of opposition lawmakers entering the building, the opening of the legislature, due to be held on Monday morning, was postponed.
The alliance - dubbed the "red shirts" - says the new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat Party came to power this month through a virtual coup d'etat.
Protest leader Nattawut Sai-kua said they wanted Abhisit to dissolve the parliament and make way for new elections.
"We want Abhisit to dissolve the parliament and give the power to the people. Let the people, once again, decide for themselves. Then, whoever is selected legitimately to become a new Prime Minister. We, the red shirt people, will not reject the choice."
The demonstration sparked fears of renewed political turbulence, which paralyzed the previous government for months and climaxed with an eight-day seizure of Bangkok's airports.
Thaksin and his backers retain strong support in rural areas have lost ground recently as former loyalists defected to join Abhisit's government.
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