Bangkok - Thailand's cabinet Tuesday approved a 122-million-baht (3.4-million-dollar) budget to purchase 20 armoured cars to better protect government leaders and visiting VIPs, following attacks by anti-government protestors.

Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the cars will be used by the Defence Ministry to provide beefed up security for Thai and foreign leaders.

Currently, the Thai government has only three armoured cars, one of which has been in the repair shop since April after anti-government protestors attacked the vehicle while Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was inside.

Abhisit's driver saved the premier by backing out of the maddened mob, but the car took a beating.

Abhisit has limited himself to travelling in armoured cars since the incident. (dpa)