Thai PM urges end to anti-amnesty demonstrations

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday called for putting an end to the anti- amnesty protests that have escalated to sweep Bangkok.

In a televised speech, Yingluck pleaded with protesters to stop rallying, saying she was concerned that the growing protests could exert negative influence on the country.

The government has aborted its efforts to push forward the amnesty bill, she said.

The speech was made after the House of Representatives agreed to drop six amnesty-related bills from its agenda.

Public opinions are respected, Yingluck said, adding the government would not use violent force against protesters and only the police would be deployed to control the situation.

Yingluck also promised the government would do nothing to pressure the king.

The controversial amnesty bill sailed through the House of Representatives earlier this month and will be tabled for deliberation in the Senate on Friday.

The bill is designed to grant blanket pardon to those involved in political unrests and bloodsheds since 2006 military coup, which toppled Thaksin's government and threw him in exile.