Thais gather on Bangkok's major streets in protest of "blanket amnesty"

Thousands of people gathered Monday on major streets in the heart of the Thai capital in protest of the government's legislation to grant "blanket amnesty" to those involved in previous unrests and bloodsheds.

Some of the demonstrators blew whistles for a one-minute time to signify their opposition to the amnesty bill, which has been pushed by the ruling Pheu Thai (For Thais) Party and recently passed final approval from the House of Representatives. It is yet to be debated in the Senate later this month.

Former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva joined the protesters on Silom Road while former deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban led the demonstrators from Samsen railway station to Rajdamnern Avenue, the Democracy Monument and the Grand Palace to air their resolute objection to the bill.

Those who would benefit from the bill include former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who remains in self-exile overseas following 2006 coup, and was sentenced in absentia to a two-years jail term by the Supreme Court involving a Bangkok land grab scandal.

Suthep announced he will not give up on the anti-amnesty protest until the legislation has been aborted either by the Senate or the Constitutional Court or withdrawn by the government headed by Lady Premier Yingluck Shinawatra.