Thai Anti-Government Protesters Claim 'Partial Victory'
Anti-government protesters in Thailand are claiming a symbolic victory Tuesday as police allowed them to swarm into the prime minister's compound and shout slogans.
The protests began Nov. 24, but turned violent two days ago when police clashed with demonstrators opposed to the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Three people were killed and more than 230 were wounded.
Protesters waved Thai flags at Government House on Tuesday and shouted "Victory belongs to the people." They left the compound an hour later, and police locked the gates again. The Associated Press reports:
"The unexpected reversal of strategy by the government indicated it no longer wants to confront the protesters and is willing to compromise to ease tensions ahead of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 86th birthday on Thursday.
"As anti-government protesters celebrated on the Government House lawn, a leader announced through a loudspeaker that Wednesday would be devoted to cleaning up the debris at scattered protest sites to prepare for the king's birthday.
"Government officials did not immediately comment on the developments, and it was not clear if the protest movement had ended or if this was merely a lull in the violence that might pick up again after the king's birthday."