Bangkok , Thailand ( CNN ) -- Rights groups and others have called on Thai authorities and anti-government protesters to respect human rights and avoid violence during mass demonstrations in Thailand 's capital , Bangkok . The People 's Democratic Reform Committee protest group -- which hopes to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office -- launched its `` Bangkok shutdown , '' intended to last a month , Monday . The protesters plan to achieve their aim by closing seven main intersections in the large and hectic city . They will also surround the houses of Yingluck and some ministers , and they intend to cut off electricity and water supplies at these locations and some government offices . Authorities say eight people have died and 470 have been injured since the protests began in November . Amnesty International warned in a news release Friday that violence could erupt again . `` The situation in Thailand is tense , volatile and unpredictable . There is a real risk of loss of life and injury unless human rights are fully respected , '' said Isabelle Arradon , the rights group 's Asia-Pacific deputy director . `` Security forces should ensure that the right to peaceful protest is upheld -- however , they also have a duty to protect the safety of the public . When carrying out their work , law enforcement officials should apply nonviolent means before resorting to the use of force , and always exercise restraint in its use . '' Amnesty International also urged protest leaders to `` call on their followers not to commit human rights abuses . '' The Thai government has deployed some 15,000 military and police to the capital ahead of the planned shutdown , the rights group said . U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday in New York that he had spoken by telephone with Shinawatra and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiv over the past three days `` in an effort to help them bridge their differences . '' Ban said he was `` very concerned that the situation could escalate in the days ahead , '' and particularly on Monday . `` I urge all involved to show restraint , avoid provocative acts and settle their differences peacefully , through dialogue , '' he said . Vejjajiv has denied being a member of the PDRC protest group , but has appeared on stage and among the crowds at some of their demonstrations . Travel warnings . In a bid to cool tensions , Yingluck dissolved the nation 's parliament in December and called for new elections to be held February 2 . Updated info for tourists . But the move has done little to appease protesters . They have called on the Prime Minister to step down from her caretaker position and be replaced by an unelected `` people 's council , '' which would see through electoral and political reforms . The national Election Commission has urged the government to postpone elections amid the continuing unrest . Dozens of countries have issued travel advisories amid fears the tensions could erupt into violence . The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has urged U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings in the city and to ensure they have a stock of cash and essential items in case the situation deteriorates . `` While protests have been generally peaceful over the last two months , some have resulted in injury and death , '' its online warning said . `` Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational , and can escalate into violence without warning . '' The protest group said that on Monday it would still allow ambulances to pass along the roads it intends to block , and that it would not block access to airports and public transportation . Ambitious goal . Protest leaders have said they want to rid Thailand of the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra , the older brother of Yingluck Shinawatra . That 's an ambitious goal in a country where every election since 2001 has been won by parties affiliated with Thaksin Shinawatra , a billionaire who built his political success on populist policies that appealed to Thailand 's rural heartland . Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and has spent most of the time since then in exile overseas . If he returns , he risks a two-year prison sentence on a corruption conviction , which he says was politically motivated . The recent protests in Bangkok were prompted by a botched attempt by Yingluck Shinawatra 's government to pass an amnesty bill that would have opened the door for her brother 's return . That move added fuel for critics who accuse her of being nothing more than her brother 's puppet , an allegation she has repeatedly denied . Opposition to Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra is strongest among the urban elites and middle class , particularly in Bangkok . Thaksin Shinawatra 's traditional support comes from the populous rural areas of north and northeast Thailand . His supporters , known as `` red shirts , '' plan to hold demonstrations in various places in Thailand , but not the capital or south of the country , on Sunday . They support the holding of elections on February 2 . CNN 's Kocha Alarn reported from Bangkok and Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported in London . CNN 's Anna-Maja Rappard contributed to this report .
Amnesty International urges Thai authorities to respect human rights during protest . The group says the government should immediately release all political prisoners and allow peaceful protests in Bangkok. U.N. Secretary General urges all sides to `` show restraint , avoid provocative acts '' Authorities say eight people have died and 470 have been injured since protests began .