Thai protesters attack prime minister's motorcade

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Protesters surrounded the Thai prime minister's car and smashed a window as he rode in it Tuesday, escalating tensions a day before a massive anti-government rally that the leader said has sparked concerns of civil war in Thailand.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was not hurt during the attack by about two dozen protesters, who converged on his motorcade as it left a hotel in Pattaya, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) south of Bangkok, said government spokesman Isara Suntornwat.

The car was hit, kicked and banged with "hard objects" in a brief confrontation before the motorcade sped away, Isara said. Security officials then transferred Abhisit to another car before taking him back to the capital.

"I did not panic. I can still work normally," Abhisit told reporters in Bangkok.

The attack was the first violence targeting Abhisit, who took office in December, and the most aggressive action since anti-government protesters started a sit-in outside his Bangkok office two weeks ago to demand his resignation.

The protesters have called for tens of thousands of supporters nationwide to join a Wednesday rally. They plan to march from Government House to the home of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's top adviser, Prem Tinsulanonda, whom they accuse of masterminding the 2006 coup that ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Abhisit went on national television Monday night to publicize the government's concerns about violence at the rally and to warn that security forces will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order.

"We cannot allow a civil war or a people's revolution," Abhisit said Monday. "If the situation leads to a riot, the government cannot stand still."

The protesters are supporters of Thaksin, who has been addressing the rallies almost nightly via video link from exile. Thaksin was ousted for alleged corruption and convicted last year for abuse of power but retains widespread support among the rural poor majority that benefited from his populist policies.

Prem has denied the accusations but the rare public criticism of a king's privy councilor broke a taboo in Thailand where members of the monarchy and their aides are highly revered. Prem had been indirectly accused of orchestrating the coup before; the last rally outside his home in July 2007 turned into a riot in which more than 200 people were injured.

"We have a job to protect key institutions, protect good people and the respected elders of the country," Abhisit said.