Tens of thousands of Thai opposition supporters have taken over key intersections in Bangkok, snarling traffic as part of their campaign to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and disrupt elections set for February 2.
Although the protests have halted much of the traffic in the main business district Monday, life is continuing as normal in most of the city. Thousands of security forces are deployed in the Thai capital, but they have taken no action against the protesters.
Prime Minister Yingluck has dissolved parliament, called for the early elections, and proposed the formation of a national reform council as a way to resolve the months-long political crisis.
But the opposition has said that is not enough. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has called for a non-elected "people's council" to replace the current government and implement reforms to end corruption and money politics.
Analysts say the prime minister's ruling party is likely to win the snap elections.
The opposition views Ms. Yingluck as a puppet of her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Thaksin, a billionaire businessman, was ousted in a 2006 military coup. He was convicted of corruption and lives in self-imposed exile.
Although the protests have halted much of the traffic in the main business district Monday, life is continuing as normal in most of the city. Thousands of security forces are deployed in the Thai capital, but they have taken no action against the protesters.
Prime Minister Yingluck has dissolved parliament, called for the early elections, and proposed the formation of a national reform council as a way to resolve the months-long political crisis.
But the opposition has said that is not enough. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has called for a non-elected "people's council" to replace the current government and implement reforms to end corruption and money politics.
Analysts say the prime minister's ruling party is likely to win the snap elections.
The opposition views Ms. Yingluck as a puppet of her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Thaksin, a billionaire businessman, was ousted in a 2006 military coup. He was convicted of corruption and lives in self-imposed exile.