In Thailand, thousands of supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra are converging on the capital Bangkok ahead of anti-government protests planned for the weekend.

Organisers are hoping to bring the city to a halt with mass demonstrations to force an election. They promise the protests will be non-violent, but the government has deployed tens of thousands of soldiers and police in the city, and enacted tough security laws.

Bangkok's main airport has taken steps to avoid a repeat of the 2008 blockade, when it was occupied and brought to a standstill by Thaksin's supporters. International passengers have been advised to check in three to four hours before departure.