Thai gov´t holds urgent meeting amid nationwide spread of anti-gov´t rally

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-30-2009 18:41

Supporters of former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, are surrounding the Government House in Bangkok for a fifth day. Police security officers have asked them to leave the area. Thailand's Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have held an urgent meeting after the nationwide spread of the anti-government protests.

Supporters of former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, are surrounding the Government House in Bangkok for a fifth day.

Soldiers set up barbed wire barricades near the gates of Government House on Monday. The police said that if the protesters did not stop preventing state officials from entering the compound, they would take control of the rally situation. Thailand's prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, admitted on Sunday that authorities were trying unsuccessfully to muzzle Thaksin.

Abhisit has rejected the protesters' calls for his resignation. Thaksin was deposed in 2006 for alleged corruption and abuse of power, and fled into exile last year.