Thai PM vows action as protesters besiege state offices

Anti-government protesters break barricades during their entry into Government House in Bangkok yesterday. Thousands of Thai protesters seized a state-run TV station and surrounded government buildings in their campaign to force premier Samak Sundaravej from office and cripple his administration.Photo: AFP

Thousands of Thai protesters stormed a state-run TV station and the seat of government on Tuesday, in what Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said was an effort to provoke another coup.
More than 30,000 protesters demanding his resignation seized the television station, invaded the grounds of Government House and besieged at least three ministries in their efforts to cripple Samak's administration.
Samak, who was elected in December and formed his coalition government in February, warned that his patience was running out.
"They want bloodshed in the country, they want the military to come out and stage a coup again," he said at a press conference.
"I will not resign, I will stay to protect this country," he added.
Samak said police would surround the seat of government -- where most of the protesters who rallied throughout the day have camped out -- and not let any supplies or people in until all the protesters left.
"Police will take decisive action against the protesters ... government restraint is almost over," he said, but added that force would not be used and the government's approach would be "soft and gentle."
"I ask all the protesters who have been blockading or occupying government offices that you still have a chance to withdraw and go back to your homes."