Thai red and yellow shirts back in protest mode
Tensions have erupted in parts of Thailand with government supporters and opponents clashing.
The capital Bangkok has been relatively calm, even with demonstrators on the streets, but some provinces have seen violence.
Samut Prakan province was the centre for violent protests on Friday as around 3,000 anti-government demonstrators gathered around the town hall.
When red-shirt supporters arrived wooden sticks were brandished as defence police tried to keep order.
A brawl began when the red-shirts chased some of the sideline demonstrators. Some people were slightly injured in scuffles.
Samut Prakan is regarded as a red-shirt stronghold.
Police officers throughout the country have been told to be on standby for Saturday when some tensions are expected to escalate further.
Bangkok academics have called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra calling to hold a referendum on whether to amend the Thai constitution before dissolving parliament to help rein in the political turmoil and protests.
Meanwhile the chief of the Thai Army, General Prayuth Chan-ocha has made clear the army will not be dragged into the disputes between protesters and the government.
In a statement he said he wanted a quick and peaceful solution to the crisis and said the army would protect people if violence should occur.
The general said: "The army calls for protests on all sides to be carried out under the democratic system and within the rule of law. Protesters should refrain from causing division and trying to bring the army to be on their side.The army would like to inform the public that the army is the army of His Majesty the King and the people. The army is monitoring the situation and is prepared to help people if there are injuries or the loss of lives from protests which could lead to violence."
The statement was issued following an incident when protesters led by the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform entered the army headquarters near a rally site on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.
On entering the grounds they called on Gen Prayuth and his troops to join their side to oust the government and the Thaksin government, which they claimed had rejected the rule of law.