Thai protesters capture army HQ

29 11 2013

 

 

Nearly 1,500 anti-government protesters in Bangkok have broken into the compound of the Royal Thai Army headquarters in their bid to topple the current government. The largely non-violent action could escalate, police say.
“We want to know which side the army stands on,” shouted one protester, according to Reuters.
The protesters gathered at the compound’s front gates, forcing them open and flooding the premises, as they  demanded for the head of the country’s armed forces  generals to choose whether they stand with the people or with the government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra. This took place while 100 soldiers stood guard.
Furthermore, the Bangkok police now fears that the situation could indeed escalate into a violent confrontation.
“We have received intelligence reports that there could be violence tonight and tomorrow… we are increasing security around key government and royal buildings.” They said in a statement.
Although Thailand’s military has been publicly supported by the ruling party, it has remained largely on the sidelines of the current conflict.
Army deputy spokesman and Colonel Winthai Suvaree has expressed the wish that “all sides… solve the problem with the country’s best interests in mind.”
Elsewhere in the capital, about a 1,000 people seeking to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gathered outside the headquarters of her ruling part, shouting for them step down.