Thai protesters storm state offices

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thousands of Thai protesters stormed a state-run TV station and the seat of government on Tuesday, in what Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said was an effort to provoke another coup.

More than 30,000 protesters demanding his resignation seized the television station, invaded the grounds of Government House and besieged at least three ministries in their efforts to cripple Samak’s administration. Samak, who was elected in December and formed his coalition government in February, warned that his patience was running out.

“They want bloodshed in the country, they want the military to come out and stage a coup again,” he said at a press conference. “I will not resign, I will stay to protect this country,” he added.