Their numbers have dwindled after four days of rallies - of more than 100,000 who started the protest, police said about 40,000 remained.
Protest leaders have promised nightly entertainment shows and further rallies in the days to come. Both the government and the protesters have kept the rallies peaceful.On March 16-17, protesters performed ritual blood-throwing events at Government House, the headquarters of the ruling Democrat Party, and the home of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva. On March 18, they stayed in their camp around the Government House - but said that they would come back out on to the streets at the weekend.
Many people have travelled a long way from rural provinces and have jobs and businesses to return to. However, for those remaining in Bangkok, leaders are planning mass cultural shows and political meetings.
On March 17, alongside the blood donation and blood-spillings, protesters delivered a letter to the British embassy saying they wanted to counter false media reports about the protests. They also went on to picket the US embassy, accusing US intelligence of bugging former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The protesters claimed that the present government was installed illegally after Mr Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006.
Montenegrin police confirmed on March 17 that Mr Thaksin was in Montenegro, having travelled there on March 13 from Dubai where he has been living.
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