(VOVworld)-Several thousand Thai anti-government protesters gathered in Bangkok yesterday/ on Saturday after lawmakers approved a controversial amnesty that could allow fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return.

Opponents say the legislation, which was passed by the lower house on Friday but still needs the approval of the Senate, would "whitewash" past abuses, including the killing of unarmed protesters.
Police said that some 3,000 protesters had joined the rally held by the opposition Democrat Party by early Saturday evening, with attendance expected to swell as the weekend goes on.