Thai opposition protesters prepare for 'final showdown'

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Thailand's strife-hit capital is bracing on Monday for fresh opposition protests described as "judgement day" by demonstrators seeking to overthrow the embattled premier, despite her offer of early elections.

Tensions remain high in the kingdom following several days of street clashes as police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets against rock-throwing demonstrators.

The unrest has left five people dead and more than 200 injured and the fear is that the fresh protests could bring fresh violence.

Demonstrators and police have observed a temporary truce since Wednesday for the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is treated as a near-deity by many Thais.

With turnout dwindling, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has called for a final push on Monday to bring down the government.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has faced more than a month of rallies by demonstrators, sometimes numbering in their tens of thousands, who want to suspend the country's democracy in favour of an unelected "People's Council".

Thai opposition lawmakers resigned en masse from parliament on Sunday, deepening the kingdom's political crisis.

The protesters are united in their loathing for Yingluck's brother Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire telecoms tycoon turned populist politician who was ousted by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.