Shinawatra returns to office, protesters agree to temporary truce to honor King’s birthday

Eurasia News

BANGKOK: Thailand Prime Minister Yinlguck Shinawatra on Wednesday returned to her office amid her ongoing efforts to bring days of unrest and violence in the capital, Bangkok, to an end, Dispatch News Desk reported.

Meanwhile, the anti-government protesters led by Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy premier, agreed to observe a temporary truce in honor of the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej tomorrow (Thursday).

However, the protesters said they would maintain pressure on the government before and after the royal birthday.

“After the king’s birthday, we will start fighting again until we achieve our goal,” Suthep Thaugsuban said adding that victory will only be achieved when “Thailand is rid of the Thaksin regime.”

A large number of anti-government protesters staged a rally at national police headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday but despite pledges to stage a peaceful march today they knocked over concrete barriers‚ cut barbed wire and tried to scale the fences.

Meanwhile, the military, which has staged or attempted 18 coups in the past 80 years, has kept its distance from the latest turmoil.

The navy chief said he and his top armed forces colleagues had ruled out intervening as the situation was returning to normal.