Thai Premier Rejects
Ultimatum To Quit
Thailand
Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva has rejected demands by
protesters for his resignation and new lections.
Anti-government protesters have gathered outside an army
barracks in Bangkok, where Mr. Abhisit has been holed up in a
rally led by red shirt supporters of ousted ex-Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra.
Heavy security
About fifty thousand soldiers and police have been deployed to
maintain order and the protests, holding since last week, have
been peaceful so far.
Several thousand extra soldiers have been sent to reinforce
security.
Flanked by ministers and coalition allies, Mr. Abhisit appeared
on national television as the protesters' deadline for him to
step down passed.
Protesters’ Demand
The protesters have demanded that he should dissolve the house,
saying the present government was installed illegally after Mr.
Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and two subsequent
allied governments were deposed by court action.
The coalition parties agree the demand cannot be met.
Adamant
The protesters say they will soon move their campaign to the
Prime Minister’s office as another deadline expires.
They said they were prepared to stay in the capital, to pressure
the government into calling new elections.
The military has been given extra powers to impose curfews and
restrict numbers at gatherings if necessary.
At the moment the protest is peaceful and good-humoured.
However, the last major protests, in April 2009, turned violent,
with two deaths and dozens of people injured.
BBC/Williams
