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Protests Return to Bangkok

'Red shirt' demonstrators surround PM's office, demand elections

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2009 7:42 AM CST

(Newser) – Protests returned to the streets of Bangkok today, Bloomberg reports, as thousands of supporters of the exiled former PM Thaksin Shinawatra demanded fresh elections. The "red shirt" demonstrators assembled outside the new government's offices but vowed not to occupy it, as the yellow-wearing People's Alliance for Democracy did last year. Abhisit Vejjajiva became PM in December after months of protests culminated in the court-ordered ouster of his predecessor, a Thaksin ally.

"The best way to solve the conflict between the red and yellow shirts is to return power to the people through an election," said one demonstrator. Yesterday Abhisit said that the protesters were free to demonstrate, "but they have to respect the law." Later this week leaders from across Southeast Asia arrive in Thailand for a summit, but the meeting has been moved from Bangkok to a beach town to avoid the protests.

Thousands of anti-government protesters in Bangkok, the Thai capital, are demanding the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. (Getty Images)

Wearing a headband and a scarf that read 'I miss Thaksin,' a Thai demonstrator joins a rally outside the government house Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)

Thousands of anti-government protesters in Bangkok, the Thai capital, are demanding the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)

Thai soldiers stand guard in the compound of the prime minister's office as protesters allied with Thaksin Shinawatra march toward the office in Bangkok, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thailand has been plagued by protests by rival groups of demonstrators who either support or oppose Thaksin Shinawatra, who was forced from office in a 2006 military coup. (AP Photo/DAvid Longstreath)

Supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra shout slogans outside Government House during a protest on February 24, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Getty Images)

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Protests Return to Bangkok

'Red shirt' demonstrators surround PM's office, demand elections

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Thais Collect Buckets of Blood—to Hurl in Protest

Red-shirts plan 'blood curse' after election refusal

Thai Protesters Form New Political Party

'Yellow shirts' will contest next election, look to be major force

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Supporters say attack that wounded 'yellow shirt' leaders was politically motivated

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'Red shirt' demonstrators surround PM's office, demand elections

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Thailand • Bangkok • Thaksin Shinawatra • People's Alliance for Democracy • Thai protesters • Abhisit Vejjajiva

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Thais Collect Buckets of Blood—to Hurl in Protest

Red-shirts plan 'blood curse' after election refusal

Thai Protesters Form New Political Party

'Yellow shirts' will contest next election, look to be major force

Gunmen Attack Thai Protest Leader

Supporters say attack that wounded 'yellow shirt' leaders was politically motivated

Thai Protests Break Up

Thaksin supporters end standoff as troops move in

Economy Spurs Renewed Thai Protests

20,000 Thaksin supporters march on PM's office

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?