Thai opposition leader threatens to take over government

thailandThai opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban Tuesday threatened to take over the administration of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and also take key cabinet ministers into custody if they did not resign.

Speaking at a rally, People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) chairperson Suthep said the protesters would lay siege to all government offices in the next two-three days, Xinhua reported.

If the caretaker government refuses to resign, as demanded by the PDRC, it would take the protest to a higher level by blockading the houses of Yingluck and important cabinet members, he added.

If they still refuse to quit, the protesters would take Yingluck and cabinet ministers into their custody, Suthep threatened.

Protesters demanding that no elections be held until major political reforms are implemented, launched the Bangkok shutdown operation Monday to force the caretaker government to step down. The shutdown continued for the second day Tuesday under Suthep’s leadership.

They besieged the customs department, commerce ministry and labour ministry Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said the government will invite about 70 people from all parties to a meeting Wednesday to discuss the election commission’s proposal to postpone the Feb 2 elections.

Suthep rejected the invitation to join the talks, saying the protests would continue Wednesday.

Since November, protesters have been taking to the streets and occupying government offices, calling for the Yingluck government’s resignation.

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