State of emergency declared in Bangkok as tensions escalate
Thailand’s political impasse has taken a violent turn after a clash between anti-government demonstrators and pro-government loyalists left at least one person dead and several others injured. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has reacted swiftly declaring a state of emergency in the nation’s capital Bangkok. The anti-government demonstrators are headed by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (or PAD) who are demanding the PM’s resignation. In the past week they have invaded a state run television station, shut down airports in Thailand’s south and occupied Government house. Until yesterday the tense situation remained peaceful, but the decision of pro-Samak protesters to take to the streets as well was an ominous sign that tensions could escalate.