THE THAI government says it will call in army reinforcements to ensure the safety of Asian leaders attending a summit in the face of mass street protests calling on prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to quit.
Political instability returned to Thailand with a vengeance this week as Mr Abhisit’s car was attacked near the summit venue in the lively seaside city of Pattaya.
Thousands of supporters of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra gathered around the prime minister’s office in downtown Bangkok demanding he resign and threatening bolder steps if he refuses.
As well as the prime minister’s office, the protesters, wearing red shirts to show their support for Mr Thaksin, targeted the home of a key royal adviser they believe instigated the coup in 2006 that unseated him.
Mr Abhisit is due to open the three-day regional summit today, welcoming leaders from regional bloc Asean along with key partners including Japan and China.
The situation is eerily reminiscent of last year, when demonstrators against the pro-Thaksin ruling administration occupied government buildings and eventually the airport to call for the government to step down.
“We will not allow the government to host this meeting,” protest leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday from a stage at Government House, calling for the Red Shirts to line the streets and obstruct the meeting. “I appeal to the Red Shirts in Pattaya and nearby, as this government is not legitimate.”
Mr Thaksin’s supporters took to the streets two weeks ago, calling for the three-month-old government to step down and for fresh elections. Events have escalated since Mr Thaksin, a fugitive from Thailand on corruption charges, gave a series of nightly addresses by videolink calling for a “people’s revolution”.
Most demonstrators remained at Government House but hundreds moved to join 100 taxi drivers who used their cars to block Bangkok’s traffic at a key intersection.
The prime minister rejected calls for his resignation. “This is not the game, they cannot play like this. If they are sincere, the government is open to political reform.”
Mr Abhisit has sought to reassure visiting leaders there will be no disruption to the summit. It is expected to approve policies for the region aimed at restoring financial stability and economic growth, and prevent trade protectionism.