60,000 Thai protesters demonstrate in bid to force military out of Bangkok streets

Bagnkok: Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters have threatened to force soldiers from the heart of Thailand's capital, raising tensions in what so far has been a nonviolent bid to bring down the government.

The protesters traveled in a noisy parade to seven locations including the Bangkok zoo and Buddhist temples being used by soldiers as temporary camps.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called in thousands of troops to guard Parliament, government buildings and other key locations amid fears of violence.

However, Saturday's protest took a more confrontational stance than previous rallies.

Police said at least 60,000 protesters attended the march. Earlier rallies, including one last Saturday that snaked through Bangkok, have drawn as many as 100,000 people.