BANGKOK (AFP) - - Thailand's new premier said Wednesday he hoped thousands of protesters occupying his office would leave before November to save the kingdom embarrassment during a regional summit.
Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been camped out at Bangkok's Government House for more than a month.
"I have tried my best to foster a better understanding and not to ruin Thailand's dignity. Other ASIAN leaders may question why the Thai government has no office so please help uphold our national dignity," he said.
The cabinet has been carrying out its business in an abandoned building at the old Don Mueang airport during the protests.
Somchai became premier last month after his predecessor was forced from office and has tasked deputy prime minister and seasoned politician Chavalit Yongchaiyudh with negotiating with the PAD.
Somchai said he was monitoring those talks but refused to set a deadline for the protesters to leave.
The people are protesting to get their point across. And Somchai is worried about his country looking bad because there are protests going on. It seems that he is trying to keep the protesters out of the media because he wants to protect the image of Thailand. He doesn't want to seem like he's lost control so he's trying to convince the protesters to go away rather than addressing their needs. He's trying to make sure that Thailand is at its highest standards.
Amanda B
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