Around the World: Thailand

New PM faces protest

Opponents of Thailand's new government rallied in central Bangkok yesterday and called for fresh elections, a day before Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is due to make his maiden policy speech to parliament.

Thousands of red-shirted supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in a 2006, massed near the Grand Palace, but their sights were set on parliament, which elected Abhisit prime minister two weeks ago.