BANGKOK: Thousands of anti-government protesters launched their fourth weekend demonstration in the Thai capital Saturday, 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 and that Saturday’s rally would be brief.

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

Parliament.” Department stores

in the area, normally bursting

with weekend shoppers, as well as office buildings were closed for security reasons.

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.

Riot police guarding the InterContinental Hotel said the

luxury vehicle finally hit a fire hydrant, and the driver battled through a group of demonstrators before police intervened and

took him into the hotel. Police found a handgun in the car.

“This is just what’s wrong with this country. A rich man can drive into protesters and get away,” said Sakda, a factory worker from suburban Bangkok. The Red Shirt movement - known formally as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship - consists largely of supporters of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.