Protests delay Thai PM's policy speech, official says

BANGKOK, Dec 29 (Reuters) - The maiden policy speech by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had to be delayed on Monday because hundreds of anti-government protesters blocked entrances to parliament to stop MPs getting into the building.

A parliament official told reporters the speech was now due at 0700 GMT rather than 0230 GMT, adding the delay was necessary as the safety of cabinet ministers and pro-government members of parliament could not be guaranteed. (Writing by Vithoon Amorn; Editing by Alan Raybould)