Thai PM rejects UDD ultimatum, demonstrations continue

Mr Abhisit said on national television about 10am on Monday, two hours before the deadline, that he would not bow to the demand of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

"The protesters have demanded that I dissolve the house before midday today, but the coalition parties agree the demand cannot be met," Mr Abhisit said, from the army headquarters. "Elections must be held under common rules and genuine calm. We have to listen to other people's voices, not just the protesters," he said.

His statement came as thousands of red-shirted protesters this morning marched to the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment, where the Prime Minister had been staying since the protest began, to demand an answer to their 24-hour ultimatum.

Mr Abhisit was reported to have flown out of the compound by helicopter after he issued the statement, saying he wanted to inspect the city traffic.