ASIA: Thai PM says campaign to end protests 'nearly complete'
14 Apr 2009 2:38 AM
BANGKOK, April 13 AFP - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says a military campaign to shut down anti-government protests that have raged in the capital is "nearly complete".
"This mission has progressed and is nearly complete, and I ask all of the authorities to remain firm," he said in an address on national television, flanked by top brass and cabinet ministers.
"Most of the unrest has been suppressed, except the rally around Government House. The government still adheres to its policy of leniency, and using negotiations to avoid any loss of life," he said.
Abhisit hit out at claims by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose supporters have mounted days of demonstrations, that the government was hiding mass casualties after troops launched a crackdown on Monday.
"I am satisfied with the whole campaign," he said.
Abhisit said it was "regrettable" that two local residents had been killed and a number of others injured in separate clashes with protesters near Government House where the main demonstration camp is located.
