Although the crowds of protesters in Thailand appear to be dwindling following the failure of the opposition to oust the prime minister in a parliamentary confidence vote, their grip on key power centres is growing. <br /><br />In Bangkok the surrounded police headquarters has had its power cut, and nationally 25 local government offices are now occupied.<br /><br />Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared on national television following the no-confidence victory to appeal to the protesters to abandon their action.<br /><br />“We have shown restraint, There has been no violence like in the past. We are not playing a political game; the economy and society will only suffer. We are ready for dialogue with anyone, so leave government offices now,” she said.<br /><br />The opposition deposed, prosecuted and drove her prime minister brother Thaksin into exile, and is determined to get her too.<br /><br />“She’s created a country unable to help the people, who are not getting anything. It all started with Thaksin,” said one woman.<br /><br />“I feel we should keep fighting, the entire country will fight! We’ll fight no matter what, we are not backing down,” said another.<br /><br />The opposition is hampered by the fact that its leadership is struggling to lay out any sort of strategy beyond protest, or outline any policies that offer a credible solution for Thailand’s growing economic problems.
