By Jamaluddin Muhammad

BANGKOK, March 20 (NNN-Bernama) -- Thousands of red-shirted anti-government protesters drove their vehicles across this capital on Saturday, in a peaceful rally to oust the government.

At 10am, the procession of cars, pick-ups, motorcycles and tuk-tuks (three-wheel motorcycle taxi) began at Phan Fa Bridge. By noon (Malaysian time: 1pm), the head of the procession reached Ratchadaphisek Road while its tail was still at the bridge's starting point.

Massive traffic congestions were reported in areas they passed but very light traffic in other areas as they marched through major streets covering a distance of 46km and scheduled to complete by 6pm.

The protesters, led by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders Natthawut Saikua and P. Jatuporn, changed from static demonstration to mobile demonstration as the rally entered its ninth day today.

They are drumming up support from the people to join their "class war", referring to the commoners fight against the alleged aristocrat-controlled government.

The new warfare is on top of their agenda last week, asking Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down or dissolve Parliament.

Overall, the security situation is under control and public transportation hubs including airport, skytrains, mass rapid transit, buses and taxis, operate as usual.

The police are trying to minimise the traffic congestion by releasing the convoy in stages, and allowing protesters to take some lanes and reserve certain lanes for other road users.

For example, four lanes were allocated for the protesters and one lane for other users when the procession passed by Petchaburi Road.

The protesters were singing and calling for the people's support for their struggle during marching while by-standers responded by waving and clapping.

Meanwhile, Abhisit said they could continue their protests, so long as they were in accordance with the law.

During an interview with a local TV station on Saturday, the prime minister felt former premier Thaksin Shinawattra could be the stumbling block for a negotiation between the government and the Red Shirts.

Both sides have expressed willingness to settle the current political crisis through negotiations, but Thaksin appears to have objected to the idea.

Abhisit said he was willing to discuss with the Red Shrits for the sake of democracy and benefit of the people at large, but not for the benefit of any particular individual.

-- NNN-BERNAMA