Protesters Lead by Suthep Thaugsuban Cut Power to Government House

Thai police officers walk to negotiate with anti-government protester who are removing barbed wire over the fence of Prime Minister’s office in Bangkok, Thailand. – Wason Wanichakorn

 

 

BANGKOK – Protesters lead by Suthep Thaugsuban announced they cut off electricity to the Thai prime minister’s office compound on Thursday and demanded that police abandon the premises, Suthep’s campaign to oust Yingluck has been strong on rhetoric but failed to stop the government from functioning.

Mr Suthep Thaugsuban (centre), a former deputy prime minister

The protesters, seeking to force the replacement of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government before a Feb. 2 election, have threatened to force their way in if police don’t leave. Police attempts to negotiate were rebuffed, but they did not withdraw immediately.

An Associated Press photographer inside one of the buildings said electricity had been shut off to the press office. Police confirmed that power had been cut to some buildings in the compound, collectively called Government House.

Yingluck was not in her offices at the time and shortly afterward gave a televised address from an unidentified location in which she announced a Dec. 15 meeting of all sections of society to try to find a solution to the crisis.