Thai opposition says will seize Bangkok

Thailand’s opposition leader says anti-government protesters will seize the capital, Bangkok, in the New Year.

Suthep Thaugsuban told supporters in the capital on Sunday to bring extra clothes and food and be prepared for a fight that could last for months.

The former deputy prime minister of the Democrat Party promised that his brothers and sisters in Bangkok will not leave an inch of the capital for the government.

The protesters have already taken over several ministries including, the interior ministry, finance, agriculture, transport, as well as sports, tourism and foreign ministries.

Thaugsuban also encouraged demonstrators to extend their month-long encampment to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Protests in Bangkok began on October 31, when the government proposed an amnesty bill that would have cleared Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of the current prime minister, of corruption convictions.

Thaksin is said to be the power behind the current government and has been in self-imposed exile since 2006, when he was ousted in a military coup. He faces a jail term over his convictions if he returns.

On November 11, the upper house of the Thai parliament rejected the controversial bill amid growing outrage on the streets.