"Last battle" begins today

"The protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy would not totally bank on the military to come to their side in toppling the Somchai government but would rather launch their own version of the people's revolution," said a political observer.

This time they have learnt the lesson.

In the people's revolution, the protesters will be attempting to woo public support so that they achieve a critical mass of more than 100,000 people to seize the capital. Spreading out in different rallies, they will lay siege on Parliament, surround the temporary office of the Somchai Cabinet at Don Muang and take control of other key communication sites.

"By doing so, the anti-government protesters are about to launch a coup in the capital similarly to military coups of the past. The difference is that they do not carry weapons or have guns and tanks like the military," said the political observer.

But to succeed, the military must also guard their security against the police forces.

The doctors and academics plan to render support to the PAD today. The state enterprise workers also plan to launch a nation-wide work stoppage.

On October 7, 2008 when the police shot tear gas into the protesters killing one person and injuring more than 400 people, the protesters waited desperately for the military to come to their side to no avail. Now they plan to stage a revolution of their own, either with military or without military support.

Maleerat Kaewka, a spokesman of the PAD, told the crowd to hang on until Wednesday when the people's war would be finished by then.

Others sense that bloodshed is hanging in the air as the anti-government protesters gear up their final war and the pro-government supporters are preparing a counter-attack.

"I believe that the situation will reach a breaking point next week. The temperature is now reaching a boiling point. It is just a moment away before a bloodshed happens and military coup will finish it up," said Rangsan Pathumwan, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University.

"They are now breaking into adversary groups. Some would like to please the Big Boss (Thaksin) and are ready to launch a clash."

Phromsak Saengpho, a leader of the pro-government and Red Shirt supporters in Chiang Mai, also speculated that a military coup might be imminent.

He said if a military coup were to happen over the next two to three days, Gen Anupong Paochinda, the army chief, would not have anything to do with it but it would rather be the work of the military from the upcountry joining with the Bangkok military.

"I don't believe that Gen Anupong would take part in the coup. He is afraid that if he does that he might not have the ground to stand on," he said.

He said the probability of a military coup has increased, with the military summoning leaders of the red shirt protesters in Chiang Mai into the Kavila Military Command to urge them not to join in the rally.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is now attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru. He won't be back in Bangkok until Wednesday.

Yesterday protesters began to fortify their position in the Government House, numbering 50,000 people. The atmosphere looked like a festival as the protesters prepare to go for war.

Suriyasai Katasila, one of the leaders of the PAD, said the protesters will march to Parliament at seven o'clock tomorrow's morning and avoid marching at night.

The protesters have been attacked several times by small bombs and grenades, including a blast Thursday that killed one person and wounded 29.

Before leaving for Peru, PM Somchai signed a series of document to maintain internal security. One of the documents appoints Gen Anupong to head a committee, which is in charge of monitoring and maintaining security and law and order in Bangkok.

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Khaewkamnerd said police would be responsible for keeping the situation under control, but that 2,000 soldiers would be on standby in case police ask for help.

Police said 2,400 police would be stationed outside Parliament, which is about half a mile (1 kilometre) from the occupied prime minister's compound, Government House.