Thailand's military has warned that it will blockade anti-government protesters occupying the capital's commercial hub and could eventually use force if the so-called red shirts refuse to leave their camp.
Wednesday's announcement came after a warning the night before by the prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, that security forces were ready to act if the protesters did not leave by Wednesday.
Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a military spokesman, said the government would cut power, water and food supplies as well as shut off entrances to the protesters' camp.
"The measures to cut water and power are the first measures. If the protest does not end, we have to fully enforce the law which may involve using force to reclaim the area," he said.