Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Thai Red Shirts Turn to UN for Protection VOA News 22 April 2010 An anti-government protester takes part in rally in Bangkok, 22 Apr 2010 Photo: AP An anti-government protester takes part in rally in Bangkok, 22 Apr 2010 Thailand's anti-government protesters plan to march to the United Nations' regional headquarters in Bangkok Thursday to appeal for help as tensions rise in the besieged city. The Red Shirts will deliver a letter asking the U.N. to deploy peacekeepers to Bangkok. The appeal is being made due to growing signs that Thai security forces will launch an offensive against the Red Shirts' encampment in a major commercial district in Bangkok.  Thousands of troops have been deployed around the encampment where the protesters have been gathered for several days. The Red Shirts have erected sharpened bamboo spears and paving stones as barriers around their camp.  Late Wednesday night, the Red Shirts and supporters of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva threw bottles and rocks at each other near the encampment. The pro-government supporters plan to stage a massive rally Friday in Bangkok against the anti-government demonstrators. Meanwhile, a large group of Red Shirts blocked a military train traveling through the province of Khon Kaen, located about 400 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The Red Shirts are supporters of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in 2006 amid allegations of corruption. They have been demonstrating in Bangkok since March 12, calling on Mr. Abhisit to hold new elections. They claim Mr. Abhisit's government was installed illegally after the pro-Thaksin government was dissolved by the courts. At least 25 people were killed and more than 850 others injured during an April 10 clash between the Red Shirts and Thai security forces. The government says armed men infiltrated protest lines and fired on troops, killing five soldiers. Mr. Abhisit came to power in December 2008, after months of massive anti-Thaksin protests by demonstrators known as the Yellow Shirts. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. .