Bangkok on the brink as rivals ratchet up protests

Thousands of red-clad government supporters rallied in downtown Bangkok last night, stoking tensions after grenade attacks wounded dozens from a rival group that has occupied Thailand's main airports.

The demonstration added to the political turmoil, which has left other nations scrambling to evacuate around 100,000 tourists trapped by the anti- government airport blockade.

More than 15,000 demonstrators wearing red headbands emblazoned with the words "No Coup," backers of the current administration and of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra raised fears of violence by rallying for the first time in the six-day standoff. The demonstration took place about five kilometers away from where a grenade attack early yesterday wounded 49 People's Alliance for Democracy supporters who have occupied the nearby prime minister's Cabinet offices since August.

"Whatever happens, we will fight," senior PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said at the site.

Hours later, a blast outside the domestic Don Muang airport injured two passersby, police said.

A grenade was also found at the offices of a party in the ruling coalition but did not go off.

Grenade attacks at the premier's besieged offices last month killed two protesters and prompted the PAD to launch its "final battle" to topple the government.

Thai authorities have tried to end the siege at Don Muang and the larger Suvarnabhumi international airport

Police issued a new order to protesters at Don Muang, warning they will be

 jailed if they did not disperse.

Today, the Constitutional Court is due to wrap up a case that may see the ruling party disbanded for fraud and Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat banned from politics. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is due to give a speech on Thursday, the eve of his birthday.