BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to hold face-to-face talks with protesters demanding new elections to “restore peace and minimize the chance of violence.”

Abhisit’s office made a special televised announcement Sunday morning to announce that “the prime minister has accepted the condition to negotiate with protesters.”

It was an abrupt reversal after Abhisit himself went on television two hours earlier to say he would not bow to ultimatums issued by protesters, who demanded to meet Sunday.

Abhisit’s office says the date and location will be worked out with protesters.

Protesters have been camped in Bangkok since March 12 saying they will not leave until Abhisit calls fresh elections.

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