Spreading Thai anti-government protests raise fears of violence Staying put: Protesters plan to extend their occupation of areas in Bangkok. The campaign by anti-government protesters to topple Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has widened to the resort island of Phuket amid fears that the largest protest rallies in Bangkok in three years could turn violent. About 1000 whistle-blowing demonstrators peacefully occupied Phuket's provincial hall, with the Phuketwan news website reporting that many of them were doctors and nurses and staff from a well-known hotel. Earlier, protest leaders had vowed to force the closure of more government offices around the country after occupying key ministries in Bangkok. Police issued an arrest warrant for protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former senior opposition MP who led the storming of the country's Finance Ministry in Bangkok on Monday and has set up his movement's headquarters there. But as the situation in Bangkok remained volatile, police said they would not arrest Mr Suthep while he was among protesters as they feared it could trigger violence. The anti-government movement is strongest in Bangkok and the country's south, including Phuket, while the government has strong support in other provincial areas, raising the possibility of violence. Countries, including Australia, have recommended that tourists stay away from protest rallies. About 20,000 Australians holiday on Phuket each month. Ms Yingluck, the younger sister of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has pledged that an emergency security law invoked on Monday will not be used against people but urged against "mob rule" as she faced the biggest challenge of her rule. Mr Thaksin is a divisive figure in Thailand who is widely believed to be a powerful influence in the government's decision-making. with AP, agencies.