Thailand tries to put end to anti-govt protests

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BANGKOK (AFP) — Riot police took up positions early Wednesday around Thailand's main government compound, as authorities tried to negotiate an end to protests aimed at forcing Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

Scuffles between protesters camped out overnight and police reporting for duty led to a few minor injuries, deputy national police spokesman Major General Surapol Tuanthong told AFP, but insisted there would be no violence.

"They are not going to disperse the crowd -- we are trying to negotiate," Surapol said, adding that warrants for the arrest of key protest leaders were expected to be issued later Wednesday.

On Tuesday, up to 35,000 demonstrators seized a state-run television station, invaded the grounds of Government House and besieged at...