Parliament shuts down as protesters take to the streets

THOUSANDS of anti-government protesters took to the streets of Thai capital Bangkok yesterday, forcing Parliament to shut down in what activists called their “final showdown” to oust an allegedly corrupt administration.

Parliament postponed a joint session of both houses after protesters surrounded its gates and reportedly cut electricity to the building. House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the session would be rescheduled “when the situation returns to normal”.

Despite fiery declarations that yesterday’s action would be their “longest day”, a leader of the anti-government group — which calls itself the People’s Alliance for Democracy — told followers to step up their protest efforts further today.