Thai govt refuses talks unless protests end

A Thai military operation to isolate a fortified protest site in Bangkok is making progress,but troops may take time to quell the unrest, a government spokesman said on Tuesday. In some areas,the tension has reduced,but in other areas,fighting continues and armed groups still attack security officers,Panitan Wattanayagorn said. The security operation is gaining ground,with some progress but it will take time to end unrest altogether, he said.

Cabinet minister Satit Wonghnongtaey quoted the PM as saying he welcomed negotiations to halt the violence but that talks will happen only after the protest has ended. Tuesdays televised comments came in response to an offer made by protest leaders,who said they would unconditionally accept an offer by the Senate to mediate between the two sides.

Clashes continued between soldiers and the Red Shirts. A two-day public holiday was being extended to Friday because of security reasons.