The plan had received support from academics, rights groups and the business sector with the Thai stock market climbing 30 points amid signs of easing tensions. Armed forces and police have been out in large numbers patrolling Bangkok's center, where the protest rallies have shut down hundreds of retail stores, leaving people out of work and businesses with millions of dollars in losses.
The government has prepared a special budget to assist employees and businesses hardest hit by the closures and protests.
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