Thai PM grilled in senate

Thailand's upper house grilled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej in a largely symbolic censure debate yesterday as thousands of street protesters blockaded his office for a fourth day, demanding his government quit.

The 73-year-old Samak, who was elected in December, delivered a wide-ranging defense of his government after a barrage of criticism from Senate opposition members.

"I am not that insane to quit," the tough-talking leader said in a 30-minute rebuttal.