Protesters Clash in Bangkok

WONG:
Today, the Thai prime minister declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. He gave the army the power to maintain public order after violence erupted overnight between pro and anti-government protesters. Here's more on the story.

STORY:
At least one man was killed and thirty-four hurt in overnight clashes between the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, and pro-government supporters near the Government House. It was the worst outbreak of violence since the anti-government group launched its street campaign.

Around 400 soldiers armed with batons and shields were sent in to back up police struggling to contain the skirmishes. Several shots were fired, but it was not clear by whom.

As a result, of the escalating violence, the prime minister banned public gatherings in the capital and imposed other restrictions.

[Samak Sundaravej, Thai Prime Minister]:
"This situation gives me no alternative solution. I chose the softest solution within the limited choices [I have], to declare a state of emergency, only in the municipal of Bangkok, in order to solve and finish this problem, according to the law."

Many Thais expressed concern over the emergency ruling.

[Teerasik Panyakroekkrai, Protester]:
"It looks like the government organized a group to create a situation where this law was necessary to impose."

Despite the emergency rule, thousands of PAD protesters still milled around the Government House, unwilling to leave.

But some people agree with the government's use of emergency powers.

[Sankom Sanpanya, Resident]:
"It is better to prevent things from deteriorating before the situation gets worse and more people die."

And so the stalemate continues. The prime minister refuses to quit or dissolve his parliament in the face of ongoing protests, and PAD protesters say they won't be moving from his official compound till he resigns.

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[charaypro]

something like this shoulde be happen... how can they do something like this... this its insane .. Really BAD THING thats had happen in Thailand... for all youall people.. you all need to understand that thai is in emergenci state... this it not how we thai people its

Charay

[shakeyd10]

Thaksin is in Dubia and not London as stated in this report.That said I hope these idiots are happy that they have cost there own country billions in lost revanue and thousands of jobs will be lost because of a few stupid people waving clapping hands.

Stupid people deserve all they get and these lot derserve a good kicking and if a few gets killed then so what as life is cheap in LOS anyway.

[thekingakaitsme]

seems like there still beeing many stupid people in the world that are thinking they can change something ......... sorry to say that but hey open your eyes than you will see who can change something ....... its the thai king , George Bush and the other really rich people in the world ............. sad but true