No breakthrough over political turmoil

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang left Government House in the afternoon for security talks with top metropolitan police officials, but he insisted the meeting was not meant to seek a settlement to the airport stand-off. He had claimed that he would negotiate with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat face-to-face only.

He told protesters after leaving Government House around 3 pm that he would discuss with metropolitan police chief Suchart Muenkaew how to increase security at Government House, which has been subjected to grenade attacks, the latest being on Saturday night.

"I'm worried about safety and security," he said.

The PAD wants the police to patrol the surroundings of Government House with the help of PAD guards at night.

The attack on Saturday night injured dozens, four seriously. The ASTV headquarters was also attacked, but nobody was reportedly wounded.

Suchart met Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) co-leader Veera Musigapong at the DAAD rally site in front of Bangkok City Hall before Veera delivered a speech to pro-government supporters. However, the details of the talks between Suchart and Veera were not revealed.

In the evening, Gothom Arya, director of Mahidol University's Research Centre for Peace Building, met Suchart. He suggested that the police and PAD listen to people's opinions. He also asked police to have mercy on protesters and be mindful while solving the country's problems.