Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed to hold talks with red-shirted protesters on Thursday, as long as their actions remain peaceful.

[Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Prime Minister]:
"I'm willing to conduct talks under conditions that protests are peaceful. If the protests become unruly, I cannot accept any talks."

Abhisit said the government is ready to negotiate with protesters, just days after he rejected calls to dissolve the parliament and call new elections.

Red-shirted protesters spilled their pooled blood in what they called a symbol of their "sacrifice for democracy" at the PM’s office and residence on Tuesday.

The "red shirt" protesters promised a citywide march on Saturday despite doubts that the mainly rural movement has the ability to pull it off.

Although the number of protesters has dwindled from its peak of over 150,000 on Sunday, tens of thousands remain in the capital.

The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship is demanding new elections.

Abhisit still maintains the backing of the military and a majority in parliament, but the UDD insists it will keep up the protest to disrupt Bangkok and undermine the premier's leadership.

[Nattawut Saikeau, UDD Leader]:
"We are sure that we can stay here as long as possible but we are not sure about Abhisit. Red-shirted protesters have our own space. We have a freedom to do anything we want. But Prime Minister Abhisit, he can't even go back home, to his office or parliament.”

Analysts say a prolonged protest could undermine the government but may not topple it.

A street movement without an intervention by the military or the judiciary has hardly ever brought change in Thai politics.