18:30pm The Nation:

5.17pm : PAD sets up two stages; at Nang Lueng Intersection and Chamai Mayurachet Bridge and were attended by a total of 50,000 protesters.

Chamlong Srimuang is leader of the stage at Nang Lueng Intersection while Somsak Kosaisuk at the Chamai Mayurachet Bridge

BP: This is the highest tally I have seen so far, but still short of the claimed 300,000. The 50,000 figure is probably about the right amount and could increase by 10,000 or so tonight as people attend the rallies after work.

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Real-Time: Another Bangkok D-Day

House dissolution? Prime Minister Samak to resign? PAD protesters using shields with images of the king that police won’t take action?

Friday June 20st, 2008, is another of days Thailand has an oversupply of. In a last-minute address to Samak our King Bhumibol Adulyadej had urged the prime minister to keep his promises to do good for the nation.

A signal of the monarch, it was suggested, to Samak’s advantage. But half a million protesters are expected. Follow the events blogged live right here. Newest thread at the top of the page, oldest at the bottom:

- Police Regroup: The Nation reports the regrouping of policemen at 5.26 pm.

- Protest Headcount @ 5.45 pm: According to Foreign Minister Noppadol Patama 50,000, according to PAD 100,000.

- Track as well Bangkok Pundit’s Live Blog on the PAD protests for further updates and in-depth analyses.

- ASTV reports at 5.18 pm that PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang expects the resignation of the current PPP-led government “within a few days.”

- Samak All Set: The Nation reports the prime minister is ready for a live address if PAD seizes Government House. Read: Ready to declare emergency powers.

- Headcount Update: At around 4.30 pm police estimate 25,000 protesters. Still way off Sondhi’s “promise” of 500,000 people.

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