Thai blood protests continue calling for election

Red-shirted protesters hurled plastic bags filled with gallons of their own blood into the residence of the Thai prime minister on Wednesday, hoping their shock tactics will bring down his government.


Seeking new ways to dramatise their cause, a small group of protesters were allowed by police to approach the walled compound in a ritzy Bangkok neighbourhood and then unleashed a barrage that smeared the walls, roof and grounds with red.


Earlier, a standoff ensued with riot police in full gear blocking all approaches to the home of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who the "Red Shirts" hope to topple by calling for new elections.


After negotiations, three dozen demonstrators were allowed to squeeze through the police cordon in a heavy rainfall.


They carried about six, 5-litre plastic water bottles filled with blood, which was later poured into small plastic bags.


The incident in the Sukhumvit Road area, home to many wealthy Thais and expatriates, followed similar "blood sacrifices" on Tuesday at Abhisit's office and the headquarters of his Democrat Party.