Thailand Protest Update

Thai troops retreated from security posts in the capital Saturday, bowing to demands from 80,000 jubilant red-shirted protesters who mounted a rally to demand fresh elections.
The "Red Shirt" supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra targeted seven points where soldiers have been stationed during two weeks of street demonstrations, including the city's zoo and Buddhist temples.
In the face of the huge crowds of flag-waving protesters, who arrived in cars, on motorbikes and on foot, the military agreed to withdraw from the positions in Bangkok's old quarter where the Reds have their main rally base.
Women threw flowers at the departing troops, who smiled and snapped photos to cheers from protesters, who turned the streets red with their colorful clothes and heart-shaped clappers.
Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister in charge of national security, played down the withdrawal as an "adjustment" and said the troops would return later in the day.
"Right now they have to move out to avoid a confrontation," he said in a news conference from the army barracks on Bangkok's northern outskirts where the government is based during the protests.
The Reds described the climbdown as a boost for their campaign to replace the government, which came to power with army backing in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies.
"We came here to oust the soldiers and the soldiers stepped back," said leader Arisman Pongrungrong. "We have made one step towards victory and we'll keep putting on the pressure until parliament is dissolved."
The military has mounted a heavy security response involving 50,000 personnel for the demonstrations, which began on March 14 after a court ruling that seized 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's fortune.
The security measures, including a lockdown on parliament, which was surrounded by barricades and razor wire for a session this week, have been criticised as excessive.
Buoyed by their success, the Reds vowed to take their movement to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva by rallying Sunday at the military barracks where he has been holed up.
"We hope we will meet with Abhisit," said protest leader Veera Musikapong. "I hope tomorrow will be the end of this political rally."
Police estimated Saturday's crowd at 80,000, larger than a noisy but peaceful street parade through Bangkok a week ago that drew 65,000 people.

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