Protesters block streets in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Bangkok police stepped up their traffic-control late Sunday when anti-government protesters began blocking major streets ahead of planned demonstrations.

The mass protests were supposed to take place Monday; however protesters began their campaign to shut down the Thai capital on Sunday, forcing the hasty re-routing of bus service and other changes to normal traffic patterns.

The Bangkok Post said roads around the Government Complex campus of government buildings were blocked.

Police said about 4,000 officers would be in the streets to provide security and keep traffic moving. Police planned to turn away vehicles carrying sandbags, loudspeakers or other goods that could be used to support the protest rallies.