April 09, 2007	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 20, 1428

BANGKOK, April 8: More than 1,000 protesters rallied against Thailand's junta on Sunday, police said, despite a government warning that anti-coup rallies could provoke a state of emergency in the capital.

The protesters, led by allies of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a coup last September, organised the demonstration at Sanam Luang park outside Bangkok's municipal centre.

Police Major General Manit Wongsomboon said he had deployed about 1,000 police, both uniformed and plainclothes officers, around Sanam Luang area, where about 1,200 demonstrators gathered early on Sunday evening.

The crowd held banners attacking the military-installed government headed by former general Surayud Chulanont, and called for the return of Thaksin.

Manit said the police presence was heavy because of a parallel gathering at Sanam Luang marking the start of celebrations for Buddhist New Year.—AFP