Protesters in attack on Thai PM's car

Source: Agencies  |   2009-4-8  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THAI Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's car was attacked by protesters yesterday, escalating tensions a day before a massive anti-government rally.

Abhisit was not hurt but some of the vehicle's windows were smashed when about two dozen protesters converged on his motorcade in Pattaya, about 150 kilometers south of the capital, Bangkok.

Security officials then transferred Abhisit to another car before taking him back to the capital.

The attack was the first violence targeting Abhisit, who took office last December, and the most aggressive action since anti-government protesters started a sit-in outside his Bangkok office two weeks ago to demand his resignation.

The protesters, supporters of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, have called for tens of thousands of supporters nationwide to join today's rally in the capital.