Mass protests strike Thai government
Tuesday, 26 Aug 2008 12:25
17,000 protestors take to streets of Bangkok after offices of Thai prime minister and government buildings stormed
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The Thai government is struggling to keep its head above water after thousands of protestors stormed the prime minister's compound and forced a state-run television station off air.
Up to 17,000 activists from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) also forced their way into several government ministry buildings in Bangkok as they demanded the resignation of PM Samak Sundaravej.
But the prime minister has insisted he will remain in office to protect the country as the likelihood of a military coup to restore order was played down.
PAD demonstrators claim Mr Samak is allowing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to rule the country in exile.
In their largest show of strength so far, the anti-government group forced the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) off air before storming the government's finance, agriculture and transport ministries.
Mr Samak was then forced to leave his office after they gained entry to his prime ministerial compound.
In a statement delivered once NBT was able to resume broadcasting he urged the protestors to disperse or expect "decisive action" from police.
"Police will use all means to restore normalcy as soon as possible," he said.
"The military will not allow them to take control of the country. However, it is not the time yet for military force.
"I will not resign, I will stay to protect this country."