BANGKOK, March 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed reports that he would step down and Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit would replace him, according to the web edition of local newspaper The Nation on Tuesday.

    He said that this groundless report could possibly come as the cabinet on Tuesday promoted Chidchai, the second deputy premier, to be the first, replacing Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

    "The decision is made because there is rally in Bangkok and Chidchai is overseeing the national security. So if something happens, he could be in charge," Thaksin said.

    Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop said Tuesday the Thai Cabinet agrees to make Chidchai Wannasathit, the first-order deputy prime minister, to be in charge of the government affairs when caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is outside Bangkok.

    On Tuesday morning, tens of thousands of demonstrators marchedpeacefully towards the Government House, vowing to remain there until Thaksin resign. Enditem