In a highly symbolic challenge to the authority of an embattled administration, protesters have set up base inside a wing of the largely abandoned government headquarters, where they are now holding press conferences for the international media.
“It is urgent and necessary for the country to have a new prime minister and government to run the country,” protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban — wanted by police for insurrection — declared on Tuesday in a cavernous room adorned with chandeliers and portraits of the revered king.
Thailand´s first female premier Yingluck Shinawatra was removed from office last week along with nine cabinet ministers in a controversial court ruling denounced by her supporters as part of a “judicial coup”.
The remnants of her government are clinging to power, leaving the two sides as deadlocked as ever.
