Protestors march on Bangkok

Thousands of red-shirted protestors march to Thailand's Government House to demand new elections.

Thousands of demonstrators march through Bangkok to protest against the government.

Many of them are supporters of the ousted Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, and believe the present government assumed power unfairly.

The red shirted demonstrators demanded the government resign and believe current ministers are stooges of the army.

They say the prime minister only achieved power after Thaksin supporters were barred from Parliament and they've called for a snap election.

SOUNDBITE: 40-year-old Bualuang Tangthong, saying: (Thai)

"I'm here to ask for justice. I'm not biased and not really on the side of Thaksin. I just want justice. I want the law to not be biased. If anyone does anything wrong, they should be in jail."

Thailand has been in turmoil since Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006.

The army ruled for a year then an election was won by Mr Thaksin's supporters who formed a coalition government.

But a powerful anti Thaksin lobby - known as PAD , the People's Alliance for Democracy - launched a series of mass protests.

They occupied government buildings and the airport bringing the government down.

This is now a counter protest against the new government - and it's timed for maximum embarrassment.

Thailand is set to host the ASEAN summit of Asian nations this weekend.

Preparations are underway for the prestigious event.

Ministers say the disruption is not a threat.

SOUNDBITE: Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban saying, (Thai)

"I am optimistic that the protesters will not be violent as Thailand is preparing to be good hosts of the ASEAN summit and the protesters are convinced about that as well."

Southeast Asian leaders will attend the summit as concerns run high that the worst global financial crisis in decades will derail their export-driven economies and throw people out of work.

Penny Tweedie, Reuters.