Thousands of anti-government protesters launched their fourth weekend demonstration in the Thai capital yesterday, groping for tactics that have yet to force the prime minister to dissolve Parliament and call new elections.

The mainly poor, rural Thais that make up the so-called Red Shirts were concentrating their Saturday protests in the heart of commercial Bangkok, studded with glitzy shopping malls and upscale hotels. They previously have failed to oust the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva through both mass peaceful marches and talks with government leaders.

Jatuporn Prompan, a protest leader, said the demonstration would continue through Monday.

"Today's another day when commoners will declare war to bring democracy to the country. There is no end until we win this batde," he said as marchers made their way toward the shopping zone, beating drums and chanting" Dissolve Parliament."

Department stores, normally bursting with weekend shoppers, as well as office buildings were closed for security reasons as some 10,000 protesters gathered in area, according to Metropolitan Police spokesman Piya Utayo. He said the total number of demonstrators, including those in other parts of the city and on the move, peaked at nearly 55,000.

Protesters swarmed around a Porsche car, angrily smashing its windows after its driver bulldozed a line of stationary motorcycles the group had parked. His motive was not known.