Protests affected the capital Bangkok

Several protests affected the Thai capital on 26 January 2009, the first of which occurred outside of the Government House. More than 1,000 farmers gathered on Phitsanulok Road at approximately 1130 local time to demand the government restructure their debt. They later broke through police barriers and demonstrated near Gates 1 and 2, near the Chamai Maruchet Bridge. The farmers threatened to occupy the Government House; government officials announced that they will expedite short-term measures to aid the farmer's debt. Organizers of the farmers protest stated that they will protest again on 10 February to demand additional funds from the government. Meanwhile, nearly 100 supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gathered in front of Parliament demanding the postponement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit to be held in Hua Hin at the end of February. Protesters attempted to block bus routes on Uthong Road across the street from Parliament, but police officers dispersed them.