Thailand is no stranger to political violence and its police are preparing for more in the run up to next month's general election.

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.

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.

The opposition expressed qualified support for the plan, but wanted parliament to be dissolved.

Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.