Prime minister runs gauntlet of protestors

The Thai prime minister entered his office unhindered today, easing fears of confrontation after 20,000 anti-government protesters surrounded the building the day before demanding that parliament be dissolved and new elections held.

Hundreds of demonstrators allied with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sat outside the Government House compound for a second day, eating breakfast and listening to speakers, while taking turns on a makeshift stage to criticise the government. Hundreds of police in full riot gear looked on.