Thailand is no stranger to political violence and its police are preparing for more in the run up to next month's general election.<br /><br />Several gun attacks have already taken place prompting the government to form a protection squad to safeguard candidates. As many as 248 candidates have requested state protection.<br /><br />Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's announcement to hold the July 3 election came following months of unrest by National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) "Red Shirt" supporters of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.<br /><br />The opposition expressed qualified support for the plan, but wanted parliament to be dissolved.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.
