Thai govt reiterates peaceful solution to crisis

BANGKOK - The Thai government insists on seeking a peaceful solution to the country's ongoing political crisis, Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul reiterated Monday.

In a press conference, Surapong urged government functionaries to go to work, irrespective of protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban's call on Sunday afternoon for nationwide work stoppage.

Anti-government protesters cheer after they tear down barricades during a demonstration outside Government House in Bangkok Nov 30, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Surapong has been assigned to replace Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok to take charge of the Center for Administration of Peace and Order, according to the conference.

The prolonged street rally has caused damage to the national economy and tarnished Thailand's image in the international community, said Surapong, who is also foreign minister.

The government respects people's rights to raise their demands, but it is not right for protesters to charge into government buildings and disrupt regular operations, he said.

In the morning, anti-government protesters started to march to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Government House and Parliament. Police tried to stop them by firing teargas. The protests have entered the 32nd day.

On Sunday, several thousand protesters tried to seize Government House and the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, but failed to push through the barriers erected by the police.

On Sunday night, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban gave a two-day ultimatum to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to return power to the people.