Around the World: Thailand

Protests delay PM's speech

Thousands of anti-government protesters blockaded Thailand's parliament on Monday, forcing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to delay his maiden policy speech as the economy teeters on the brink of recession.

The new government's plan to bolster a struggling export- and tourism-driven economy was now expected early today after talks failed to end the latest siege of parliament in Thailand's long-running political crisis.