Thailand protestors attempt Bangkok shutdown

(Vatican Radio) Protestors in Thailand’s capital Bangkok have begun what they are calling a shutdown of the city, with the aim of increasing pressure on authorities to change how Thailand is governed.

Protestors blocked major road junctions, blowing whistles and demanding that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra quit. Police reported at least one deadly shooting overnight as protestors gathered. Authorities said 10,000 police officers would be on patrol, together with 8,000 soldiers guarding government offices. However, Thailand's foreign minister said authorities would try to avoid confrontations, and would even in some instances allow protestors to enter government buildings.

The protestors say Thailand's electoral system is skewed in favour of the ruling party. They say the country would be governed better by an unelected committee. For now, Thailand's military has kept back, siding with neither anti- nor pro-government supporters. But with this two-month standoff still apparently entrenched, observers say it might not end even with the snap election planned two weeks from now.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn’s report: