government protesters forced Bangkok's elevated railway system to shut on Tuesday, and the government warned of tougher operations to quell growing unrest in a seven-week crisis that has killed 26 people. Thailand's revered but ailing 82-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, regarded as the nation's sole unifying figure, spoke publicly late on Monday for the first time since the turmoil erupted in his kingdom. He did not directly address the political stalemate, telling newly sworn-in judges to perform their duty honestly and set an example to the public. He has stepped into previous political tussles, including one that ended a bloody conflict in 1992. Hopes for an end to the standoff were dashed at the weekend when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected a proposal by the protesters for an election in three months, saying an immediate poll could turn violent and refusing to negotiate under threat. Anti-government protesters said they planned to go on the offensive on Wednesday with daily mobile rallies across Bangkok, a provocative move in defiance of a state of emergency that could lead to clashes with troops or with rival protest groups. “We will start rallying to places on motorcycles and pick-up trucks for a few hours a day to distribute pamphlets and create understanding among Bangkok people about what are doing,” said Kwanchai Praipanna, a red-shirt protester. “If the troops stop us, we will break through roadblocks.” Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuangsuban vowed action to prevent that. “It is clear the protesters are not gathering peacefully. We will not be lenient with these people anymore.” The red-shirted supporters of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have fortified their encampment in Bangkok's commercial heart that has forced five major shopping plazas to close, saying they fear an imminent crackdown. But the army, which led a failed operation against a red shirt rally site on April 10 that killed 25 people and wounded 800, does not want to be dragged into battle with civilians.
