Thousands of Thai royalists flocked Tuesday into the streets of Bangkok in an attempt to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Government headquarters and several ministers were encircled by demonstrators, who also took control of a television station.

Although the situation remains tense in the Thai capital, the day went ahead without major problems, according to FRANCE 24 correspondent Cyril Payen in Bangkok.

 “The numerous soldiers and policemen deployed in Bangkok have kept the situation in control throughout the day,” he said, before adding: “The situation could quickly degenerate however, as has happened in the past in Thailand.”

Royal yellow

The demonstrators, who are dressed in yellow, the royal colour, belong to the ‘People’s Alliance for Democracy’ (PAD). The PAD is a mixed group whose aim is to overthrow Samak’s government, which is largely dominated by allies of former President Thaksin Shinawatra.

One of its leaders is press magnate Sodhi Limthongkul, already a fierce opponent of Thaksin, who has been living in exile in Great Britain to escape prosecution.  

”The demonstrators are the same as those who rejected Thaksin Shinawatra. They advocate the return to power of the military and, in a way, are rejecting the western electoral system,” explains Cyril Payen.

“The army and the police won’t give up"

Samak’s People’s Power Party has been in power since December 2007, when it pulled off a decisive victory in the first legislative elections since the coup that brought down Thaksin in September 2006.

« I won’t back down. My government won’t back down. The army and the police won’t back down,” said Samak Sundaravej, who has so far refused to proclaim a state of emergency.