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Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva - Source: Reuters -
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Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will press ahead with his official visit to New Zealand and Australia despite looming anti-government mass protests at home.
Abhisit's official visit, due to start on March 13, will come as anti-government protesters, backed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, start to mobilise up to half a million people in a bid to force the government to resign and call fresh elections.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the visits would proceed, while Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban would be in charge of security to watch over the protests.
Key areas set to be discussed include trading relations and regional security.
The pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), planning the mass demonstration in Bangkok, wants fresh general elections.
Thaksin, who remains in exile, was recently found guilty by the Thai Supreme Court over abuse of power and concealment of wealth.
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