Public sector unions threaten strikes involving 200,000 workers

Public sector unions, representing more than 200,000 workers, announced on 21 November 2008 that they will strike if the current government does not leave office by 25 November. Union leaders also urged their members to participate in the 23 November protest led by the opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Union workers initiated a previous strike, in August 2008, which caused major disruption to transportation and export activities. Local sources indicate that the PAD will try to block Parliament on 23 November ahead of a special meeting set to discuss the ASEAN summit to be held in Chiang Mai in late November 2008. In an effort to reduce the risk of violence, like that which occurred on 7 October when PAD protesters also blocked Parliament, military officials have agreed to help local police officers by deploying more than 3,000 riot troops on both 23 and 24 November. Police officers will also be deployed and will be armed with water cannons and tear gas.