Protesters occupy Democracy Monument

[Norseman]

BANGKOK, March 5 (TNA)

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched from Sanam Luang to the Democracy Monument on Sunday night, vowing to camp there until caretaker prime minister Minister Thaksin Shinawatra steps down.

Among the protesters were several thousand members of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect led by retired general Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core protesters, groups of university and school students as well as teachers and people from all walks of life.

At least 5,000 police have been deployed to maintain law and order. Some others have been on alert to guard against possible violence as the political tension runs high.

Security has been stepped up at Government House, the prime minister's residence as well as the ruling Thai Rak Thai party's office.

Meanwhile, the embattled premier continued his non-stop campaign trail, addressing a rally of thousands of his grass-roots supporters in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen on Sunday, one day after travelling canvass his hometown of Chiang Mai as the April 2 general election draws near.

Mr.Thaksin vowed to go on his campaign tour in the provinces before the polling date. He reaffirmed his stand that he would not resign, and would not accept those who did not play by the rules.

The prime minister is scheduled to go to the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) on Monday.