Blood flowing down on walls of Thai PM's home

"We are near victory.... If we make a mistake now we will be defeated for a long time. We want a sustainable victory so please be patient," UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan told the crowd before leaving for the premier's empty home. 

Mr Abhisit has been staying at the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Battalion in the north of Bangkok since the demonstrations began.

Only a small group of red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters were allowed by police to approach the walled compound in Sukhumvit Soi 31, who 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 residence of Mr Abhisit. But following negotiations, three dozen demonstrators were allowed to squeeze through the police cordon in a heavy rainfall. They carried about six, 5-liter plastic water bottles filled with blood, which was later poured into small plastic bags.

Meanwhile, at the main rally site at Phan Fah Bridge, some Red Shirts were showing visible signs of fatigue after days of living on Bangkok's streets under scorching sun. Of up to 120,000 demonstrators who massed on Sunday night, about 40,000 remained on Wednesday, police said.

Some expressed frustration about the rally's lack of impact and clear direction.

"I am still going every night but I am not sure we will win this time, especially without any real bloodshed," said a Bangkok taxi driver from northeastern Roi-et province.