Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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December 29, 2008

Protests Delay New Thai Government's Policy Statement
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2137A65:A6F02AD83191E16090B7A99B0BD768AEB3350E090FE6A6E8&
 
Abhisit Vejjajiva, has been forced to day a key policy statement after
several thousand anti-government protesters blocked the main routes to
Parliament, and demanded new general elections 
Thailand's new prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has been forced to day
a key policy statement after several thousand anti-government protesters
blocked the main routes to Parliament, and demanded new general
elections. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (File)The protesters want to
prevent Prime Minister Abhisit from delivering his policy statement,
which starts the work of a new administration. Deputy Prime Minister
Suthep Thangsuban says political leaders could not agree with the
protesters' demand that members of parliament walk through the crowd to
reach the chamber."We are concerned about the safety of the members of
Parliament and also the safety of the people," he said. Mr. Abhisit
formed a government two weeks ago after politicians allied with former
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra defected to his coalition. For most of
this year, protests nearly paralyzed two previous governments, which
were tied to Mr. Thaksin. Now, his supporters contend that Mr. Abhisit's
government is invalid and want new elections. Mr. Thaksin, who lives in
exile, is popular among the poor and rural residents, but Thailand's
urban middle class consider him corrupt.


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