Tuesday, 14 April 2009

Thailand declares two-day holiday after protests

gulfnews.com
Agencies
Published: April 14, 2009

Bangkok: Thailand's government said on Tuesday it would extend a three-day local New Year holiday for two more days after protesters abandoned violent demonstrations.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said banks and other institutions could decide whether to apply the holidays on Thursday and Friday, which give Thais 10 days off in a row over the Songkran festival.

Authorities had already declared last Friday a holiday because of protests which eventually shut down a major Asian summit.

"The prime minister held discussions with ministers and in order to ensure public security and clean up places affected by the protests, the cabinet declares April 16 and 17 as government holidays," Panitan said.

"State enterprises, commercial banks, financial institutions and the private sector can decide on suitability," he said, reading from an official statement.

Protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ended a three-week siege of his offices on Tuesday, a day after clashes in Bangkok left two dead.

No comments: