More than 20,000 protesters surround Thai PM's office, demand resignation

Bangkok: More than 20,000 red-shirted protesters have ringed the prime minister's office, demanding the government resign and scoffing at its handout of checks to millions of low-income workers as a buy off.

The demonstration began shortly after the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva began doling out 2,000 baht ($55) checks to millions of Thais to stimulate an economy battered by the global financial crisis.

The demonstrators, followers of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, say Abhisit's government came to power through illegal means and are demanding a dissolution of Parliament and elections.

The "red-shirts" plan to demonstrate at Government House for at least three days but have promised not to enter the compound.

Their earlier protests have been generally peaceful.