PM's foes to hit Bangkok malls

BANGKOK - Protesters trying to oust Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are shifting their focus to Bangkok's shopping district, threatening gridlock in a city of traffic jams and erosion of public support for their cause.

The planned three-day demonstration is a last throw of the dice before Sunday's snap general election for the People's Alliance for Democracy, the ad hoc metropolitan coalition bent on removing the billionaire telecoms tycoon from office.

But the strategy of targeting top-end consumers could backfire, with polls suggesting only 20 per cent of people still support rallies against Thaksin, whom critics accuse of corruption, cronyism and abuse of power.

In its latest ABAC poll, Assumption University said only 26 per cent of Bangkok residents thought Thaksin should quit, compared with 27 per cent two days previously and 48 per cent three weeks previously.

With traffic chaos predicted on the clogged roadways, police were urging commuters to use public transport.

Three of the glitziest malls, including the Siam Paragon, which claims to be Southeast Asia's largest shopping centre, have said they will close as the protest will block access for deliveries and customers. Thaksin said the Government would use restraint in dealing with the protesters.

- REUTERS