RED SHIRTS sent sky lanterns and fireworks up in the direction of circling helicopters today as the H1N1 virus was reported to have taken a hold on protesters, threatening the future of the demonstration.

Bangkok's Klang Hospital had admitted six red security guards with the virus, a spokesperson said, adding that more cases were likely in the crowded, unhygenic conditions of the street protest.

As observers speculated that the protest is likely to soon descend into violence, red shirts were reported to have seized 50 police vehicles near their central Bangkok redoubt. The red shirts say the vehicles were being readied to hold them as prisoners.

Phuket red shirt leader Sunthorn Toema said: ''People will try to destroy us any way they can. There is no virus threat.'' He told Phuketwan by phone from his place at the heart of the protest that the reds were doing their best to turn away two circling helicopters.

While the army has so far been unable to dislodge the protesters from Bangkok's streets, the H1N1 virus may stand a better chance. Bangkok's governor went to talk to red leaders today about the threat the disease poses, not just to the remaining red shirts but to the capital's residents as well.

Governors from all 76 provinces met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva today. He told them to prepare for possible red-shirt protests outside Bangkok.

Tomorrow the People's Alliance for Democracy yellow shirt leaders meet in Bangkok because the seven-day deadline they gave the army for action will have expired. Other no-color supporters of the government are also becoming more strident and calling for action. Onlookers are predicting a move against the reds will come tonight or tomorrow.

However, having failed once to dislodge the reds in a bungled attempt that left 25 dead on April 10, generals this time are likely to give the women and children the opportunity to leave before taking action.