Thai protests turn deadly

Dec. 2 (UPI)-- Anti-government demonstrations in Thailand continue into their second week, with deadly violence this past weekend followed by an announcement by the prime minister that she will not step down.

On Saturday, young male anti-government demonstrators attacked government supporters known as 'red shirts' outside of a pro-government rally at a stadium in Bangkok. The altercation turned deadly as shots rang out between the opposing parties, leaving three dead.

Protestors yesterday attempted to overrun the prime minister's office but were unsuccessful. After they were dispersed, Thai protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced on Sunday that he had met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a meeting brokered by the neutral Thai military. Discussing the details of the meeting, Suthep said in a televised interview on Sunday that he demanded the prime minister's resignation within two days; "I told Yingluck that this is the only and last time I see her until power is handed over to the people."

Today, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra responded to the opposition party's ultimatum in a televised news conference, saying that she would "open every door" for negotiations but would not step down.

[New York Times] [Financial Times] [South China Morning Post] [Financial Times]