12:00 pm: The protest enters Day 2. [Click here to see the second day's report.]

11:57 pm: An announcer says the organisers of the rally would perform superstitious rite to curse Thaksin.

11:55 pm: Senator Seri says Thaksin has intimidated people by preparing to announce the state of emergency.

11:43 pm: Seri urges the demonstrators to take turn to protest outside Government House. He says Thaksin expects protesters to be tired and stop the protests on their own.

11:38 pm: Seri says Thaksin made Chidchai deputy prime minister No 1 so that Chidchai could act as caretaker prime minister for declaring state of emergency. Seri says the government is waiting for excuses for declaring state of emergency.

11:25 pm: Seri says people from all walks of life and variety join the protest, including very young children, old people, teenagers, businessmen and villagers.

11:22 pm: Seri says Thaksin has been unfair to the country on several issues, including seeking tax exemption privilege from the Board of Investment and abusing his power to reduce concession fee of iTV.

11:18 pm: Dr Seri Wongmontha goes up on the main stage to attack Thaksin. He does a talk show with ASTV anchorwoman Anchalee on the stage. Seri tells Anchalee that he could not stand Thaksin's looking down on protesters as hooligans.

10:37 pm: An announcer says Snoh Thienthong has reached the rally site.

10:20 pm: Sangsit Piriyarangsan, a university lecturer, says Thaksin had practiced corruption during the past five years to the same magnitude that former Indonesian president Suharto had practiced corruption during his 30 years of ruling.

Sangsit says Thaksin would have a Cambodian witchdoctor do a superstitious rite at 12:09 am in Buri Ram to bless him so that he could stay in power.

9:55 pm: People applaud and cheer when Sondhi says Thaksin's days are running out. Sondhi says he has sore throat and high fever but he will remain fighting alongside with the people.

9:47 pm: Sondhi tells the crowd that appointment of Chidchai as first deputy prime minister could be interpreted either way that Thaksin is on the offensive or defensive.

9:42 pm: The five decision makers of the PAD - Chamlong Srimuang, Pipop Thongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Sondhi Limthonkul and Somsak Kosaisuk - go up on the stage to make an announcement.

9:38 pm: Chirmsak says Thaksin has one good point - he unites all pass foes to fight together to try to oust him.

9:32 pm: People roar with cheer when Manoonkrit says the military no longer support Thaksin.

9:30 pm: Manoonkrit says he learnt from a Special Branch police officer that the violence in the deep South would not stop if Thaksin remains in office.

9:20 pm: Manoonkrit recounts that a prime minister accidentally acted in contempt of Her Majesty the Queen in 1979. Manoonkrit says the military leaders then reminded then prime minister that he had acted in properly and should resign. The prime minister later resigned. Manoonkrit says Thaksin has allegedly insulted the Royal Family several times so he should leave the office immediately.

9:18 pm: People roar with cheer and applause when Pichet says people should seek a royally-appointed government from His Majesty the King.

9:13 pm: Chirmsak asks Pichet Pattanachote which one of two rumours were true between Thaksin was preparing to announce the state of emergency and he was asking the Air Force to fly him out of the country.

Pichet replies that Thaksin would like to announce the state of emergency but the military did not support him.

9:11 pm: The crowd cheer when Manoonkrit says the people will definitely win because they have good base and good leaders in their fight against Thaksin.

9:06 pm: Chirmsak asks Manoonkrit whether it's acceptable for Thaksin as the supreme commander of the armed forces to leave the head office, or Government House.

Manoonkrit replies that a deserted military officer, like the case of Thaksin, needs to face a firing squad.

9:02 pm: Chirmsak says he disagrees with the seize of power by the military, but Manoonkrit says the military will do according to the people's wish.

9:00 pm: Chirmsak says it's a good trend of democracy development that the military and police allow the people to protest peacefully.

8:50 pm: Manoonkrit says in October 1976, the government had erred in running the country and the military simply signaled to it to leave office and then prime minister Senee Pramote simply left office.Manoonkrit says now Thaksin and his Cabinet members have been committed much more wrongdoings than the Senee government.

8:45 pm: Manoonkrit alleges that Thaksin apparently tried to buy his support. He swears that he has spoken the truth. He says the event took place on December 5 2001, when Manoonkrit was Senate speaker. Manoonkrit quotes Thaksin as telling him that "If you play along with me, I'll give you my cards," Manoonkrit says and gesturing with his hands how Thaksin had allegedly moved his hands.

8:41 pm: Manoonkrit alleges that Thaksin has bribed a group of senators.

8:35 pm: Chirmsak invites Manoonkrit on the stage to address the protesters.

Manoonkrit tells the crowd that Thaksin has interfered in the work of the Senate. Chirmsak asks Manoonkrit that Thaksin sounds a smart guy but an honest one, doesn't he? Manoonkrit doesn't reply but the crowd shout "yesss'.

8:33 pm: Chirmsak holds a talk show on the stage.

8:31 pm: Nine "independent senators" go up on the main stage to appear before the demonstrators. They include Karun Sai-ngarm, Manoonkrit Roopakhachorn, Maleerat Kaewka, Kraisak Chonhavan, Suthas Saengsee, and Chirmsak Pinthong.

8:25 pm: Phuwadol Sukprasert, a university lecturer, says Thaksin has never made donations although he has reaped huge benefits from the country.

8:00 pm: Police estimate number of protesters at about 50,000 to 60,000.

7:44 pm: Banjong Nasae, an activist from a southern province, says Thaksin has no pride left for leaving his responsibility at Government House. He says Thaksin has caused mistrust between Thai Buddhists and Muslims during the past five years.

7:28 pm: Danai Anantayo, vice president of Law Society of Thailand, says on the main stage that Thaksin is facing bad luck for having held a mobile Cabinet meeting at the Phanom Rung Sand Castle and met curses from ancient Khmer kings for using the castle.

He denounces Thaksin for ordering police to carry out summery killing of drug suspects. Danai also blames Thaksin for summary killings of suspect militants in three southern provinces.

7:24 pm: Announcer Samran asks protesters on the Rajdamnoen Road to shout "Thaksin" and has those on Phitsanulok shout "get out".

7:00 pm: News anchorwoman Anchalee lets several protesters from provinces to take turn to speak a few sentences in attacks against Thaksin. The "people's voice" session lasts about 12 minutes.

6:55 pm: Sattra Tomorn, a laws lecturer of Thammasat University, urges people to go out to mark abstention vote on the election day to express their wish that they does not support Thai Rak Thai. Sattra is talking to news anchorwoman Anchalee at the rally site.

6:30 pm: Nation News Agency reports that some 2,000 protesters in front of Government House seek medical help from mobile medical unit deployed by Thai Red Cross to the rally site. Doctor Phichit Siriwan, head of the unit, says most of the sick protesters suffer from fainting and headache. He says the unit will provide medical help there on around-the-clock basis.

6:25 pm: Kalaya Sophonphanit, Democrat deputy leader, says Thaksn promoted Chidchai from third to first-rank deputy prime minister because Thaksin might play to take a sick leave and let Chidchai become caretaker prime minister.

Kalaya is speaking to ASTV news anchorwoman Anchalee Phaireerat who holds a special news talk show at the main stage of demonstration in front of Government House.

6:00 pm: Thaksin remains defiant. He addresses an election rally in Buri Ram that he would not budget to "a few Bangkokians" who want him to leave office because he has been elected by the majority of the people. He says operators of underground lotteries and those who have lost interest organized the rallies against him. "Please send me back to Government House again and I'll work in full stream for the poor people."

5:50 pm: Somboon Suphannafai, a teacher, tells the crowd to be patient as he believes Thaksin will definitely leave office.

5:39 pm: An announcer asks vendors to step away from the road to the roadside to make way for protesters whose number is increasing as the evening falls.

5:12 pm: Announcer Samran says the five decision makers of the PAD will address the crowd in the evening to announce the coalition's determination and goals.

4:45 pm: Chidchai says the situation does not yet warrant declaration of state of emergency. "From the situation, state of emergency is still very remote."

4:37 pm: Uaychai Watha, an activist from northeastern provinces, says he has learnt that Thaksin will perform a superstitious rite in Si Sa Ket with help from PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob to try to prolong his power. But he says the rite will not work as the anti-Thaksin coalition has performed another rite to block Thaksin's rite.

4:35 pm: Announcer Samran Rodphet asks more people to come out to join the rally. He says protesters in front of Government House now spill over to Rajdamnoen Avenue.

4:10 pm: Suthee Atchasai, an activist from eastern provinces, tells the crowd that Thaksin's water management policy would benefit investors at the cost of farmers and villagers' hardship.

4:04 pm: Announcer Suwit Watnoo plays down concern that soldiers and police will use force to break up protests. He says a woman came to tell him that she heard forces would be used against protesters soon. But he assures the crowd that this will not happen.

3:50pm: Lertchai Sirichai, a university lecturer, says Thaksin has caused severe divisions in Thailand. For example, he says, Thaksin instigated Thai Buddhists to rise up against Muslim people in three southern border provinces.

3:30 pm: Traffic police commander Pol Maj Gen Phanu Kerdlarpphol said police will not use water canon to disperser protesters.

He says protesters occupy the Phitsanulok Road from the Chamai Maruchet Bridget to the Phra Nakhon Commerce School Intersection and Wang Daeng Intersection. He says protesters also occupy Rajdamnoen Avenue from Royal Plaza to Chulachomklao Intersection.

3:01 pm: Announcer Samran Yodphet says there seems to be good sign for the protesters but he would withhold the details waiting for the PAD leaders to announce in the night.

2:49 pm: Pichet says Thaksin behaved arrogantly by saying he would resign only if His Majesty the King whispered to his ear.

2:38 pm: Channel 3 reports that Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura held an urgent meeting with the military top brass. But Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sondhi Rattaglin tells reporters that there is nothing special about the meeting.

2:37 pm: Pichet says he expects much more people to come out to join the rally in the evening.

2:31 pm: Protesters are seen on TVs sitting under afternoon's scorching sun and most of them only have their hat on while some others carry umbrellas.

2:28 pm: Senator Pichet Pattanachote introduces a group of senators who are against Thaksin. One of them is Manoonkrit who says he will speak in the night.

2:14 pm: An announcer says public donations for organisers of anti-Thaksin rallies have increased to Bt 6.914,829.

2:12 pm: The announcers ask street vendors to move further away from demonstrators to sit down on Phitsnulok Road.

2:09 pm: An announcer says several Bangkok hotels will provide foods for the protesters in the evening.

2:07 pm: An announcer says Manoonkrit has arrived at the scene.

2:02 pm: Maleerat urges civil disobedience. She urges civil servants to take long leave and people not to pay taxes, people not to contact government offices, until Thaksin resigns.

She says Thaksin tries to buy support from state enterprise workers by having the Cabinet approve their daily wage increase.

1:49 pm: Sakon Nakhon Senator Maleerat Kaewka takes the main stage. She says the Thaksin regime is a dictatorial regime. She says former Senate speaker Manoonkrit Roopakhachorn will address the protesters in the evening.

1:40 pm: A member of National Human Rights Commission, Sunee Chairoj, tells the crowd that they need to fight for their basic human rights.

1:34 pm: An announcer says three companies on Rajdamri Road let workers go home in the afternoon so that some 500 of them could join the rally at Government House.

1:30 pm: A man wearing sunglasses walks to the rally site and shouts "Sondhi is a bankrupt person how can he save the country?". People become angry and surround him and splash water against him but some shout and warn the people not to harm the man. He is later taken by some protesters to be handed over to police at the back of a stage.

The man later identifies himself as Wichai Suwanphat, 69, from Soi Charansanitwong 69. He says he came to the scene to try to tell Sondhi that the area in front of Government House did not belong to Sondhi so no one could occupy it.

1:13 pm: Sondhi says live broadcast on TVs alert people of the national problem. He says Thaksin's wife, Pochamarn, and children became "resigned to the fate" after seeing so many people joining the protest.

He tells the crowd that Thaksin is planning to take a leave and make a foreign trip and appoint Chidchai as caretaker prime minister.

1:09 pm: Sondhi takes the stage to ask the crowd to applaud for themselves for enduring the heat to fight for the country. "Many have to put up with the heat just beacuse a shameless person".

1:00 pm: Sunee Chairoj, a member of the National Human Rights Commssion, will take the stage in the evening to tell demonstrators about their rights to campaign, an announcer says.

Supreme Commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranon says the situation does not warrant the declaration of state of emergency.

12:47 pm: The crowd burst into laughter when an announcer says Thaksin's wife, Pojamarn Shinawatra, is gathering signatures of friends to ask her own husband to resign.

12:45 pm The Thai stock market closed the first trading session 0.55 per cent higher at 736.88 in thin trade of Bt4.45 billion, despite jittery over the anti-Thaksin protestors, which now staged a rally in front of the Government House.

12:44 pm: An announcer on the main stage said Phitsanulok Road and the part of Rajdamnoen Road from Royal Plaza to the Golden Mountain are closed to traffic.

12:40 pm: Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee tells reporters that the promotion of Chidchai to the rank of first deputy prime minister signified nothing. He quotes Thaksin as telling the Cabinet that he had to make provincial trips often so he would like to entrust Chidchai to take care of works in Bangkok for him.

12:29 am: Amarin Yipeng, a protest leader, tells the crowd that he led demonstrators to protest against Thaksin when he visited Sa Kaew. He says he threw a water bottle against Thaksin's vehicle.

12:23 pm: An announcer on the main stage says two truck-load protesters from southern provinces are arriving at the rally site. He says some firms on Silom Road will allow their workers to join the rally in the afternoon.

12:01 pm: Nation News Agency reports that the Office of His Majesty the King's Principal Private Secretary issued a statement saying TVs could replay His Majesty the King's speech given in May 1992 following the May bloodshed. The statement says the speech has been aired and become public information, so it could be replayed anytime.

12:00 pm: Four trucks with banners saying "Sondhi, Chamlong get out" speed past an intersection near the rally site, infuriating some protesters who threw water bottles against the vehicles.

11.05 am: Chamlong dismissed a report that he fainted because he is so tired. He then showed his strength by walking back and forth.

10:47 am: Nation News Agency reports that the Metropolitan Police Bureau has prepared five fire engines and 600 commando police for dispersing protesters in case of emergency. Another 5,000 policemen have been deployed to keep law and order at the rally site.

10:44 am: Thaksin, who is in Ubon Ratchathani, finishes chairing the teleconference meeting with his Cabinet, which is at Government House. He says he asks Chidchai to take care of protesters in Bangkok.

Thaksin says he will go on working for the country and will not announce a state of emergency yet. But he appears tensed when reporters ask what he would do if the protest continues nonstop. Thaksin leaves Ubon Ratchathani for Si Sa Ket.

10:43 am: Senator Karun Sai-ngam takes a stage. He says Thaksin escapes political trouble to Ubon Ratchathani. He says Thaksin has gone out of his mind, judging from the way he appeared and gestured while speaking to media.

Karun calls on the national police chief to arrest Thaksin for cheating the country.

10:40 am: Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop says the Cabinet agrees to make Chidchai first-order deputy prime minister to be in charge of the government when Thaksin is away.

10:20 am: The Education Ministry allows protesters to use toilet rooms in the ministry's compound.

10:00 am: Sondhi tells the crowd to brace the heat and blazing sun for the sake of the country. Sondhi says the five decision makers of the PAD are willing to face arrest if the government declares state of emergency.

Chamlong tells the protesters to sacrifice for the country by staying put at the rally site.

9:50 am : Soracha Pornudomsak asks the protesters if they will stay there until Thaksin resign. The protesters shout, "yesss."

9:20 am: Suriyasai Taksila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy takes the stage set up in front of the Government House. He says many taxi drivers initially planned to join pro-Thaskin rally have changed their minds and join the anti-Thaksin protest at the Government House.

He also denies reports that some members of People's Alliance for Democracy had held talks with the government in order to cease the protest

9:15 am : Thaksin says his government is ready to announce state of emergency if the protest in Bangkok turns violent.

9:00 am: PAD sets up three stages with the main one is at Phitsanulok intersection.

8:45 am: Protesters are seen on TV gathering in front of Government House.

The tail of the procession reaches the Pan Fah Bridge.

8:30 am: The leading amplifier truck of the procession reaches Government House, ASTV reports.

Organisers of the protest say there are some 200,000 protesters but police estimate the number only at 50,000.

"This is more than any previous rally," a Special Branch police commander told AFP, estimating the crowd at between 50,000 and 60,000.

The five decision makers of the PAD ask the crowd to stay calm and not destroy government property.

8:28 am: The head of procession, comprising villagers and mobile stage, reaches in front of Civil Service Commission Office's head office.

8:23 am: PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob denied speculation that Thaksin had offered to take a sick leave instead of resigning in exchange for protesters to stop besieging Government House.

8:22 am: The head of the procession enters Phitsanulok Road.

8:19 am: ASTV reports quoting Cabinet Secretary-General Bowornsak Uwanno as saying that the venue of weekly Cabinet meeting will not be moved from Government House. Bowornsak has reached Government House.

8:14 am: Motorcyclists, who ride ahead of the front part of the procession as special team, reach Government House.

8:13 am: An ASTV reporter says the head of the procession is remotely seen approaching Phitsanulok Road.

8:11 am: Hundreds of people wait for the procession outside Government House, ASTV reports. They say they could not walk so prefer to join the rally by going to the Government House right away.

8:10 am: An army of reporters wait at Government House. Police step up security there. Barricades are set up in front of the gate near Phadung Krungkasem Bridge.

8:07 am: ASTV reports that Cabinet members may not come to Government House for the weekly meeting but would switch to the King Prachatipok Institute to use the live conference room there.

8:03 am: A boxer, Ratanapol Sorworapin, wears a head banner saying "Love Thaksin" jogs past the procession. He is asked to leave the area. He claims on Channel 3 that some protesters try to attack him.

7:59 am: ASTV quotes Sirichai Mai-ngam, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Relation Committee, as saying that at least 30,000 state firm employees join the protest.

7:57 am: The tail of procession reaches the Kok Wua intersection.

The procession is divided into ten parts led by ten amplifier trucks. Each part has no less than 10,000 marchers.

7:54 am: The tail of the procession, formed by state enterprise workers, moves out of Sanam Luang.

7:51 am: Demonstrators are seen on Channel 3's live broadcast walking in good order and slowly. They smile while walking past the camera.

7:43 am: Police spokesman Lt Gen Achirawit Suphanphesat asks motorists on a live TV programme to avoid Phitsanulok Road as it will be closed to traffic because of the parade by protesters.

7:40 am: Thaksin is having breakfast at his hotel in Ubon Ratchathani. He cancels his scheduled visit to a morning fresh market.

7:37 am: The head of the procession pauses at Phan Fah Bridge to wait for the rest of the protesters. Protesters are asked to sit down while waiting.

7:32 am: Chidchai Vanasatidya, deputy prime minister and justice minister, tells a news programme live that the situation is still under control and tidy.

7:29 am: Farmers and provincial villagers, who form the second part of the procession, shout "Thaksin - get out" in rhythm while marching.

7:27 am: ASTV reports that the first part of the procession is expected to reach Government House in half an hour. It says many Government House officials have taken leave.

7:21 am: The first part of procession passes Pan Fah Bridge.

7:07 am: TVs show live broadcast that the protesters reach the Democracy Monument.

7:00 am: Channel 3 reports that the first part of the procession is about to reach Democracy Monument. The procession is led by a mobile stage with announcer Suwit Watnoo on it.

6:55 am: ASTV reports live that the procession has begun. It says when the protesters reach Government House, the PAD will set up 10 stages around Government House.

6:50 am: The five decision makers of the PAD lead the procession which officially starts. The part of the procession, which consists of Dharma Army members reaches in front of the Government Lottery Office.

6:48 am: Channel 3 reports live that the march has begun.

6:05 am: Guards, who are volunteers, form line around the demonstrators. The five PAD leaders are under protection by special guards.

6:00 am: PAD starts forming the procession line. An announcer on the stage asks protesters to be patient while making preparations for the march.

The procession is led by an amplifier vehicle manned by Suriyasai Katasila and Weng Tojitrakarn.

The procession is divided into five main parts and there will be ten amplifier vehicles to lead the parts.

5:00 am: PAD leading members go up on the stage at Sanam Luang to explain its plan to move to Government House.