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Thai opposition protesters launch Bangkok "shutdown"

Source: AFP | January 13, 2014, Monday | Online Edition

Tens of thousands of Thai opposition protesters occupied major streets in central Bangkok on Monday in an attempted "shutdown" of the capital, escalating a campaign to unseat the embattled premier.

The demonstrators want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign to make way for an appointed government that would oversee electoral reforms to curb the political dominance of her billionaire family and tackle a wider culture of money politics.

Thousands of flag-waving protesters, some wearing T-shirts with slogans such as "Bangkok Shutdown" and "Thai Uprising 2014", massed at key intersections in the city, including outside a major shopping mall that was set on fire during deadly political unrest in 2010.

The protesters have vowed to occupy parts of the capital until they win their fight. They have vowed to disrupt a February election, saying it will only return Thaksin's allies to power without reforms first.
the anti-Thaksin establishment -- has said it will not move to break up the latest protests.

"We will not use force to crack down. We will stand with the people," regional army commander Lieutenant General Theerachai Nakvanich, whose division covers Bangkok, told reporters.

Police said there were 12 hospitals, 28 hotels, 24 schools and five fire stations within the areas affected by the shutdown.

Most people appeared to have opted to leave their cars at home and rely on public transport instead.

The shutdown has sparked panic buying among some residents.

Smaller rallies have been held in the capital to back the February election and oppose the shutdown, while government supporters planned to gather in various locations in northern Thailand on Monday.

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