Thai PM agrees to meet with protestors

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”.

Mr Abhisit’s office made a special televised announcement this morning to announce that “the prime minister has accepted the condition to negotiate with protesters”.

It was an abrupt reversal after Mr Abhisit himself went on television two hours earlier to say he would not bow to ultimatums issued by protesters, who demanded to meet today.

Mr Abhisit’s office said the date and location will be worked out with protesters.

Protesters have been camped in Bangkok since March 12 saying they will not leave until Mr Abhisit calls fresh elections.