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Thai police round up protesters

"They can protest. Democracy has diversity. But it is unacceptable to break through the gates of government late at night."

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai prime minister

Thai riot police charged into a crowd of peaceful demonstrators at a protest yesterday morning outside Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's office, detaining dozens of people after activists overnight stormed the government compound demanding the leader's ouster.

More than 1,000 helmeted riot police were stationed outside the prime minister's office when about 100 officers pushed into the demonstrators on orders from the national police chief, General Kowit Watana, who arrived at the scene and shouted, "Round them up!"

One middle-aged man, bleeding from the forehead, appeared to be the only protester injured.

Forty people were charged with illegal gathering and causing a public disturbance, said police Colonel Monthien Prathipwanit. Most of those arrested could face up to two years in prison and a 4,000 baht (US$101) fine, while the two protest leaders could face five years in prison and a 10,000 baht fine if found guilty.

The demonstration yesterday morning, which drew about 100 people, came hours after some 2,000 people marched overnight and briefly occupied Government House, the compound housing the prime minister's office. The march followed a fiery anti-government rally on Friday night by wealthy publisher Sondhi Limthongkul.

Thaksin reacted angrily to the protesters during his weekly radio address yesterday morning.

"They can protest. Democracy has diversity. But it is unacceptable to break through the gates of government late at night," Thaksin said.

Neither the prime minister or any other major officials were apparently at Government House during the protest.

The events were the most dramatic yet in an ongoing political crusade by Sondhi, a one-time supporter of the prime minister who has led a vigorous campaign against Thaksin, accusing his government of corruption and abuse of power.

Sondhi has been holding regular anti-government rallies at Bangkok's Lumpini Park since late last year, attracting as many as 30,000 listeners.

Friday night's Lumpini Park rally drew thousands of people.

Thai television reports said Sondhi was accompanied by several prominent government critics, including a former police chief and one-time senator, Pratin Santiprapop, Senator Chirmsak Pinthong and Klanarong Chanthik, former secretary-general of the National Counter Corruption Commission.

After making anti-government speeches, Sondhi marched with protesters from the park to Government House, where several hundred people broke into the compound.
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