30 Nov 2013

Protesters force way into army headquarters

6:11 am on 30 November 2013

Protesters in Thailand forced their way into the army headquarters compound, as anti-government rallies continued for a sixth day.

More protesters gathered outside ruling party headquarters, as part of efforts to force the government to step down.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra urged demonstrators to end the street protests, after surviving a no-confidence vote in parliament.

But protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has rejected her appeal, the BBC reported.

"We will not let them work anymore," the former senior opposition lawmaker said in a speech late on Thursday.

At least 1000 protesters forced their way into the army headquarters compound by breaking open the gate.

Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the protesters were in the courtyard but not inside the buildings.

Protesters massed on a lawn outside the building listening to speeches from leaders on a stage they had erected.

They were urging the army to come out in support of the demonstrators.

"We want to know which side the army stands on," Reuters news agency quoted one protester as saying.