No talks with govt over providing access to blockaded ministries: Thai protest leader

Eurasia News

BANGKOK: The leader of Thai anti-government protesters Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday refused to negotiate with the government over providing access to ministries and state agencies that they have blockaded.

In a televised statement on Monday, Suthep Thaugsuban, a former Thai deputy prime minister, asked government officials not to contact protester groups, saying they will not negotiate to return the premises.

“Groups in each protest area will not negotiate with government officials to return the various premises … So don’t bother contacting us,” Suthep said.

The anti-government protesters have blockaded seven big intersections in the capital Bangkok, forcing many ministries and key organizations to close down. The government is now asking them to discuss providing access to the blockaded areas.