Thailand’s anti-government demonstrators have said they will step up their protest in an attempt to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.

In his announcement on December 17 night, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban called for the Thais to join a new massive rally to be staged on December 19-20 in central Bangkok, and a big rally on December 22.

However, the number of protesters camped on the street in the capital has dwindled to about 2,000 over the past week.

On December 17, PM Yingluck reiterated that she would stay on the post until new prime minister is elected. The coming general election is scheduled for February 2, 2014.

In another related development, Chief of the Thai Centre for Administration of Peace and Order Surapong Tohvichakchaikul said 50 countries have issued statements to voice their concerns over Thailand’s political turmoil.

They wish all parties in Thailand to resolve the current crisis through talks and in a constitutional and democratic manner, according to Surapong Tohvichakchaikul.

He warned the anti-government protesters of the risk of the country retrograding following any actions that run counter to democracy.-VNA