BANGKOK: Thailand is readying itself for a wave of political demonstrations later this month, with as many as 100,000 people expected to hit the streets.

While?the first half of February is likely to remain peaceful, the second half could see political demonstrations in Bangkok and other cities, said Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn yesterday.

The 'red shirts' of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship have recently stepped up protests across the country, attacking key figures in the Thai establishment, demanding that Parliament be dissolved, and warning the military not to interfere in politics.

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