BANGKOK, Thailand — Thousands of demonstrators shut down Thailand’s Parliament on Monday, but even as protest leaders declared victory, they warned that their “final struggle” to oust the elected government will only get more intense.
There were only minor scuffles as protesters, who call themselves the People’s Alliance for Democracy, successfully blockaded the Parliament building in their campaign to force the resignation of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
Police, under strict orders to avoid the use of force, exercised restraint as demonstrators pushed past them, sometimes showering them with curses in an effort to provoke a violent response that might discredit the authorities.
“Tomorrow is going to be more intense,” said top protest leader Chamlong Srimuang. “We request that you sleep well tonight to save your energy.”
The blockade was the latest turn in a political crisis that began in 2006, when a similar campaign against then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra led to him being deposed by a military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
But further efforts to cripple Thaksin’s political machine failed, and his political allies won the election in December.
The alliance then resumed its street protests and finally stormed the prime minister’s office compound Aug. 26, vowing not to leave until they have forced Thaksin’s allies from power. They accuse Somchai of acting as a proxy for Thaksin, who is his bother-in-law.
Thaksin, who is currently in Dubai, said he could steady the economy and would return home if the king pardoned him.
Parliament postponed a joint session of both houses Monday after protesters surrounded the building and cut electric lines. House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the session would be rescheduled “when the situation returns to normal.”
