Bangkok sees red

Supporters of deposed Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra demonstrated yesterday in the capital's business district, one week ahead of a potentially explosive court decision on whether the Government will confiscate the vast assets of the one-time Prime Minister.

The United States, British, Australian and other embassies issued advisories warning their citizens to stay away from mass political gatherings over the coming days in case violence erupts.

About 200 so-called "red shirts" gathered in front of the headquarters of the Bangkok Bank on Silom Road and more were expected to join them.

The target of the protest was General Prem Tinsulanonda, who the loyalists say was a key leader in the military coup that ousted Thaksin in 2006.

Thaksin, who was convicted in absentia on conflict-of-interest charges in 2008 and sentenced to two years in prison, lives in exile.