"Am I therefore become your enemy,because I TELL YOU THE TRUTH...?"
(Galatians 4:16)

Thousands of Thai protesters clash with police

BANGKOK, Thailand - Several thousand protesters pushed through a heavy police cordon around Thailand's seat of government Friday, vowing to besiege the compound until the prime minister resigns.After initially scuffling with the demonstrators, the police offered little resistance as crowds surged toward and pressed up against a fence on two sides of the Government House compound.The protesters, spearheaded by the People's Alliance for Democracy movement, claim that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's government is a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup.The alliance led mass demonstrations before the coup demanding Thaksin step down for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
They now accuse Samak's government of interfering with corruption charges against Thaksin and trying to change the constitution for its own self-interest.Although facing criminal charges for alleged corruption, Thaksin remains a powerful figure in Thailand.Alliance leaders say they don't want to occupy the compound itself but plan to peacefully maintain a siege around it.Chamlong Srimuang, an alliance leader, said the protesters would camp around the compound overnight and stay until Samak's coalition government resigned.Samak, after meeting with the country's army commander and other senior security officials, declared the situation was under control and could be handled by police without help from the military, said Deputy Government Spokesman Nattawut Sai-gua.There were no immediate plans to declare a state of national emergency or martial law, he said.Police radio estimated that about 22,000 people were taking part in the protest. Alliance leaders gave far higher figures, which could not be independently confirmed.Reporters saw about a dozen protesters receive minor injuries during the scuffles, but the police — although equipped with tear gas and water cannons — used minimal force. The Web site of the Bangkok Post newspaper said seven police officers were injured.An almost festive atmosphere prevailed as protesters waved, cheered and chatted with security officials. Others, dressed in the alliance's trademark yellow, shouted "Thaksin Out, Samak Out."The number of demonstrators climbed as people got out of work Friday evening and headed for the protest, whose organizers have been feeding thousands of people every night since the demonstrations began three weeks ago.Demonstrators claim their ranks could swell to 100,000 as reinforcements converge from across the country.
Earlier, police spokesman Maj. Gen. Surapol Tuanthong said around 5,000 police were deployed to block roads and prevent "the mob" from getting near Government House, a compound of ornate buildings from the 1920s set on 11 acres of land.Samak was not expected to be at the compound on Friday.Government spokesman Wichianchote Sukchotrat said schools and government offices around Government House were ordered to close Friday for safety reasons and "to allow police to work smoothly."During a meeting televised on the evening news Thursday, Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej urged Samak to keep his pledges to do good for the nation."I expect that you will do what you have promised and when you can do that, you will be satisfied," the king said.Samak's People's Power Party won general elections last December. His Cabinet is packed with Thaksin's allies, and critics say rehabilitating the former leader is among the government's top priorities.

As in the days of Noah....