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Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on May 9 demanded a speedy end to anti-government protests that have stifled the economy, after renewed violence in Bangkok raised the death toll from the crisis to 29.

He said he will not abandon efforts to find a peaceful solution but also appeared to be running out of patience with "red shirt" protesters, telling them he wanted a reply within a day or two to his proposal to hold an early election on November 14.

"No matter how the political situation evolves, I affirm that the government will stick to the reconciliation plan and we have already started the process," said Abhisit, who does not have to call an election until the end of 2011.

He added that the deal he proposed on May 3 would be off if violence continued, and seemed to rule out negotiations.

"All parties have to cooperate and there should be no violence. If we can do that, the election will happen. If not, it won't happen," he said in a weekly televised address.

The protesters want Abhisit to set a precise date for dissolving parliament and a say in any constitutional changes.

They have promised a response by May 15, too late for Abhisit. "There should be a clear answer today or tomorrow so that we can move ahead," he said. "As for my proposal, it's non-negotiable and nobody can propose conditions."

VOVNews/Reuters