Determined protesters Drop PM Abhisit

Anti-government groups Thailand, Friday (27 / 2), ending a three-day protest in the office of prime minister. However, they were determined to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was wearing a red shirt had surrounded the prime minister's office at Government House compound in Bangkok since Tuesday. They demanded the dissolution of parliament, early election, and dismissal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya.

"On behalf of lovers of democracy, the Red Shirt menggencarkan legitimacy to our struggle against dictatorship in order to regain democracy," said Veera Musikapong, one of the protest leaders.

"However, there is no point in demonstrating the Government House. To achieve this goal, we will do protests in cities and villages, inside and outside parliament, "he said.

The protesters began packing up the tents and move to leave Government House, Friday morning. The police and the army retreated from their positions near the complex.

Veera warned that the group's Red Shirt will return to Government House and held a similar protest if their demands are not met. Earlier, protesters also called for "a prolonged protest" to overthrow the government.

Jatuporn Prompan, who also led the protest, said they would continue to fight until the government of Prime Abhisit successfully overthrown. "We will increase our movement to overthrow the government in every way. Protests will be prolonged and widespread, "he said.

The protests ended as the start of the High Level Conference (Summit) ASEAN in Hua Hin, a resort in southern Thailand. Asean summit should be held in December 2008, but postponed because of similar protests by the anti-Thaksin groups for months.

Peak action led People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is the occupation of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which eventually led to a chair Abhisit PM. Red Shirt Group demanded the dismissal Kasit Piromya Secretary because he praised steps that the occupation of the airport. (AFP / fro)