Thousands rally against Thai PM

At least 20,000 protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday demanding Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra quit, as he offered…

At least 20,000 protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday demanding Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra quit, as he offered to hold a referendum on amending the country's constitution to appease his opponents.

The eight-hour gathering of state workers opposed to privatization, farmers and urban professionals ended with organizers announcing plans to hold another rally on February 26.

"We will fight until we win," media mogul Mr Sondhi Limthongkul, a former business ally of Mr Thaksin and now his fiercest critic, told cheering crowd.

Saturday's rally, where Mr Sondhi recited a litany of graft allegations against Mr Thaksin and his government, followed a 40,000-strong demonstration last weekend, the largest for 14 years.

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"Thaksin, get out," protesters chanted, waving national flags while marching into the Royal Plaza, a block from Mr Thaksin's Government House and not far from King Bhumibol Adulyadej's palace, defying a police ban on using it as their venue.

Police did not try to break up the rally but issued tickets for cars and trucks illegally parked in the area and said they would impose fines on anyone who illegally used loudspeakers.

Mr Thaksin said on Saturday he would consult electoral officials on holding a referendum asking voters if they wanted the 1997 "People's Constitution" amended.

The referendum could be held at the same time as elections for the Senate on April 19, he said.

"Many of those who call for amendments to the charter were once its staunch supporters. They say it gives the government too much power. As they say so, I will let everyone decide," he said.

"If a majority of people say they want the change, then we will discuss how," he said in his weekly radio address.