In Thailand, troops today withdrew from several security posts in the capital, under pressure from some 80,000 jubilant red-shirted protesters who mounted a new rally to demand fresh elections. The "Red Shirts" loyal to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra targeted seven points where soldiers have been stationed during two weeks of street demonstrations. In the face of the massive flag-waving crowds of protesters, who arrived in cars, on motorbikes and on foot, the military agreed to retreat from positions in Bangkok's old quarter where the Reds' main rally base is situated. Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of national security, downplayed the withdrawal as an adjustment. He said in a news conference right now they have to move out to avoid a confrontation and would return later. Hours before the latest rally, a small blast hit a government building in the latest of a series of about a dozen explosions that have been set off in Bangkok and surrounding areas in recent weeks. The Reds, largely from poor northern areas, say Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's governmet is illegitimate and want him and his administration to stand down.