Govt shutdown this week, Suthep says (Updated)
Anti-government protesters are expected to continue their efforts to shutdown key government ministries and agencies today. We'll be watching that and other developments as they occur.
Anti-government protesters are expected to continue their efforts to shutdown key government ministries and agencies today. We'll be watching that and other developments as they occur.
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Protesters from the Lat Prao rally site pay a visit to the National park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department to find out why so many department officials had been brought in from upcountry. Normal business, they were told, and the officials had already gone back home. KITJA APICHONROJAREK
Updates
16:30
How does Mr Suthep get around Bangkok (when he's not walking)?
According to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul Mr Suthep usually travels in a convoy of eight vehicles under the protection of about 40 guards.
Where does he stay?
Well, last night, according to Mr Surapong, he stayed at a hotel near Ratchaprasong intersection. And, yes police will try to arrest him since he is wanted on a charge of inciting rebellion.
The caretaker government is not only facing demands for its resignation, but it may face legal action from rice farmers who have not yet been paid for the rice they pledged months ago. Farmers are demanding full payment plus interest and have threatened to block roads, come to Bangkok and possibly file a class-action suit against the government.
15:00
This morning, protesters from both Asok and Lumpini were out "visiting" local tax authorities, closing several offices run by the Revenue Department. This is the front of the Lumpini march. THITI WANNAMONTHA
10:35
I need to add one more incidence of violence to last night's list. There was a grenade attack at PDRC Lat Prao rally leader Issara Somchai's home last night. Again, there were no injuries.
His home many have been damaged, but Mr Issara is back in action this morning, leading a group of protesters from Lat Prao to the Ministry of Health in support of permanent secretary Narong Sahamethaphat who is facing a disciplinary probe for his support of the anti-government movement.
Protesters from the PDRC branch in Nonthaburi are already at the ministry and they say they may set up a stage there. They have now left the Chaeng Wattana rally site to work on their own. Photos just in from the Health Ministry show large numbers of civil servants looking out on the scene below.
Govt shutdown this week, Suthep says
What's going to happen today? We'll find out shortly. Let's first get up to date on the latest news.
There were two reports of violence last night, but fortunately, no injuries.
An unidentified gunman opened fire on security guards manning barricades at the Nang Loeng protest site late Wednesday night and, in a separate incident, a homemade bomb was thrown near the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) rally site at the Lat Phrao five-way intersection at about midnight.
Yesterday, PDRC leaders held several meetings with police and there is now to be more cooperation on security matters.
With protesters from the Victory Monument rally site waiting outside, Rally leader Thavorn Senniam has a chat with Public Relations department officials. He demanded that the government-controlled media report fairly. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD
Yesterday, PDRC protesters from the various rally sites continued their attempts at shutting down the government, "visiting" the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, the Royal Forest Department, the Public Relations Department and the Water Resources Department. In addition, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand spent much of the day surrounding the Office of the Attorney-General and the Council of State.
On the Pathuwan rally stage after his long march yesterday, Suthep Thuagsuband urges his followers to continue shutting down government offices. PORNPROM SATRABHAYA
In some cases, the protesters found that the agencies were closed and in others, civil servants were allowed by their superiors to leave work for up to a week.
In one of the high-profile events of the day, PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban led a march through the Sukhumvit, Ekamai and Thong Lor areas. For a photo feature on the Ekamai section of the march, click here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/389736/suthep-visits-ekamai-a-photo-feature
After the march, Mr Suthep urged supporters to ensure all state agencies that are still working are shut down by the end of this week, saying he was confident the caretaker government would go before the Feb 2 election. Thus, we can certainly expect more "visits" to government agencies today.
Meanwhile, the government yesterday received the go-ahead for the Feb. 2 general election from most of the participants in a government-sponsored meeting between the caretaker government and representatives from about 70 organisations.
PM Yingluck Shinawatra received lots of support for going ahead with the Feb 2 election at a government-sponsored forum yesterday. CHANAT KATANYU
There were three noticeable absences however: representatives from the PDRC, the Democrat party and the five commissioners of the Election Commission.
Story contains information from Post reporters, both newspaper and online
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