Bangkok ? Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to 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 this 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 today.

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