Venue of policy delivery statement changed to FM

Long convoy of minivans carrying Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his cabinet members and MPs left Democrat Party headquarter and headed to Parliament. However they had to stop at the army club near parliament after the protesters did not allow the access.

After discussing with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan there, Abhisit decided to change the venue of meeting to Foreign Ministry.

His government is scheduled to deliver policy statements at 9.30am. The session was delayed from yesterday after all access to parliament was blocked by red shirt protesters who wanted Abhisit to dissolve the House and have a general election.

The protesters are loyal to fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra, the premier ousted in a 2006 coup, who was convicted of corruption and sentenced in absentia to two years in prison.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtoey said the government intended to deliver a policy statement but this was prevented by protesters.

"Therefore the government has decided to move the venue to the foreign ministry, which is confirmed legal. We have already informed coalition partners and the meeting will start as soon as we have a quorum."