Thailand PM’s compound stormed as Thai protests escalate 26/08/08 11:55 CET

State buildings in Bangkok have been besieged as Thai protesters intensify their efforts to bring down the government. A compound housing Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s offices was invaded by activists demanding his resignation. Forced to hold his weekly cabinet meeting in a military base, a defiant Samak urged demonstrators to go home, saying his patience was running out. And he vowed “decisive action” if his warnings went unheeded.

But the so-called People’s Alliance for Democracy seemed equally determined to pursue its campaign to unseat Thailand’s government. It also targeted state television, storming the building and forcing journalists to abandon their studio. In earlier protests, police said dozens of protestors were arrested, including a number of people said to be carrying pistols, golf clubs and knives.

Demonstrators claim Samak is an illegitimate proxy, running the country on behalf of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted two years ago, amid accusations of fraud.