The demonstrations took place on April 3, blocking central roads in the capital and forcing at least two of Thailand's biggest shopping malls to close.

Crowds defied warnings to leave or face arrest and settled in for the night. The government says the rally is illegal and is negotiating with them.

The anti-government protesters, known as the Red-shirts, are calling on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and hold early elections. The Red-shirted demonstrators have been holding regular protests for weeks.

PM Vejjajiva has said he will hold elections by the end of the year - an offer the protesters have rejected.

There have already been two unsuccessful rounds of talks to resolve the crisis.