Bangkok: The Thai government suspended its plan to cut water and electricity supplies to anti-government demonstrators camped in a posh central Bangkok neighborhood, heeding pleas from residents and foreign diplomats who live and work there.
But it also withdrew its offer to hold elections in November, bringing Thailand's months-old political crisis back to square one, days after it appeared that a compromise was imminent.
The "Red Shirt" protesters believe Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the
backing of the powerful military, and have been demanding new elections in street rallies since March 12. Clashes with security forces and other violence have left at least 29 people dead and 1,400 injured.
A government blockade of the Red Shirts' barricaded protest zone in central Bangkok was supposed to start on Wednesday at midnight, but water and electricity were
available as usual Thursday morning in the upscale Rajprasong area.
Thousands of Red Shirts protesters are camped on the streets and parks in that area, which is home to several embassies, shopping malls, hospitals and upmarket apartments.
Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of an agency in charge of suppressing the protest, said late on Wednesday that the plan to choke off essential services to the "Red Shirt" demonstrators was put on hold because of the repercussions it would have on other residents.
He said European diplomats and others expressed concern to the Bangkok governor that the blockade would effect residents more than the protesters.
"We have to assess who is going to face the impact more: the protesters or people living in the area,'' told The Associated Press.
Sansern, said security forces would "not use force at this stage," but left open the possibility of more violence if the protesters refuse to disperse.
With the government's tougher tone, chances of a negotiated settlement appeared almost doomed, just days after the two sides had agreed in principle to a reconciliation
plan.
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