Thai PM starts 1st day at defence ministry amid protest

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Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday started her first day of work as defence minister with a warm welcome from top brass, but amid protests outside the ministry.

As Thailand's first woman defence minister, Yingluck entered the ministry's compound on Thursday. She was greeted by deputy defence minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa, Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapakorn, Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Navy Chief Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom and Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chantong.

Before the premier's arrival, anti-government groups gathered outside the compound, showing their opposition to the premier's concurrent position as defence minister.

Anti-government Multi-coloured group leader Tul Sitthisomwong claimed that the premier's taking the defence ministerial post must be considered political interference which entangles the armed forces with politics.

Other groups including the anti-government Thai Patriots Network also turned up amid tight security with 900 police officers to prevent any violence.