Thailand’s prime minister pleaded today for an end to two months of street protests paralysing the capital and an acceptance of his reconciliation plan that was stalled by a fresh outbreak of violence.

Both government and protesters mourned their dead after savage street fighting killed 21 people in Thailand’s capital, but neither side appeared ready to compromise to end a five-year political stalemate that threatens more violence.

Thailand’s prime minister refused again to give in to protesters determined to oust him, but offered an unconventional compromise – a referendum on his fate.

Thailand’s prime minister today refused to cede to protesters determined to oust him, but offered a referendum on his fate aimed at ending the political crisis that has raised fears of economic chaos.