UPDATE
Small groups of protesters were allowed to splash blood at the gates of Bangkok's Government House this evening and deliver a ''blood curse.'' The symbolic slur completed, the protesters then departed. It is believed they were bound next for the Democratic Party headquarters and it may be that the demonstration is wrapping up tonight rather than continuing as planned to Wednesday and Thursday.
Original Report
RED SHIRT protesters have given the Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva until 6pm today to give in to their demands for a new election or face a bloodletting protest outside Government House.
Protesters have been giving blood since 8am this morning in preparation for a symbolic showdown they believe will show the level of sacrifice they are prepared to make for their country.
The deadline will probably pass without the government making any concessions.
It is unlikely that the protesters will be permitted to reach Government House to deliver their bloody message, although Thai authorities appear to have been sincere and successful so far in their attempt to keep the mass demonstration free of violence.
Phuket red shirt protest leader Sunthorn Toema was among those who gave blood today. He maintains a desire to bring down the government before heading home, although it's understood that red-shirt protesters have now begun drifting away.
The BBC reported that although numbers appeared to be diminishing, it was too early to say the protesters were giving up.
Thailand's Red Cross Society had refused an appeal from red shirt leaders to help in gathering the blood, saying it could not take blood for the purpose of a political protest.
Thailand's Nurse and Midwife Council considered the blood letting unethical and possibly dangerous, and that the group might take action against nurses who participate.
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