BANGKOK, July 11 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra started her first day of work as defence minister with a warm welcome from Thailand’s top brass, but amid anti-government protests at the ministry.

The premier, as Thailand’s first woman defence minister, entered the ministry’s compound today. She was warmly greeted by deputy defence minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa, Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapakorn, Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Navy Chief Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom and Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chantong.

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