Thai prime minister sees no quick end to political impasse, but open to negotiations

BANGKOK – Thailand's prime minister says she sees no quick end to her country's political impasse.

But Yingluck Shinawatra says her government is willing to negotiate with opponents to end the crisis.

Yingluck said in an interview with a small group of foreign journalists Saturday: "Our door is still open."

Thailand has been hit repeatedly by major bouts of political turmoil since the army overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother, in a 2006 coup.

In the latest unrest, five people died and at least 289 more were injured before the violence eased last week ahead of birthday celebrations to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 86 on Thursday.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is urging his followers to turn out en masse Monday for what he says will be a final showdown.