Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva agreed to hold face-to-face talks with protesters demanding new elections to “restore peace and minimise the chance of violence”.

Thailand’s anti-government movement will stage new protest actions in the next few days following a military crackdown that ended deadly rioting last week, the group’s fugitive leader said.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters converged on the venue of an Asian summit today, threatening to disrupt the annual meeting unless Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resigns.