BANGKOK–Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters Monday closed off roads in front of parliament in Bangkok, where new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was expected to deliver his maiden policy speech.

Police said 9,000 red-shirted demonstrators loyal to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a 2006 coup, moved to parliament overnight after gathering on Sunday night at a city center parade ground.

Protesters surrounded the entrances to parliament early Monday and vowed to stay there until the resignation of Abhisit, who won a parliamentary vote two weeks ago after a court dissolved the previous, pro-Thaksin government.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the government had no immediate plans to change the venue of the speech but would make a final decision on the situation soon.

“If the meeting cannot start in the morning, we’ll move to this evening or tomorrow,” he told Thai television, adding that it was possible but unlikely it could be postponed into the new year.

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