Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 7:28:21 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

State of Emergency Declared in Bangkok

Posted Sep 2, 08 2:03 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok after clashes between rival groups of protesters left one dead and dozens injured, the BBC reports. Pro- and-anti-government groups battled each other with sticks, clubs and pipes after administration supporters smashed through police lines near a complex occupied for a week by protesters. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots.

Thailand's embattled prime minister has placed a military commander in charge of enforcing the emergency decree. Gatherings of more than five people are now banned and the general has the power to detain and remove people from any location. Protesters trying to bring down the government have vowed to fight on. "There are not enough jails" for all of us, the head of the People's Alliance for Democracy told thousands of supporters.

Sources BBC, Times (UK)

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports

    10 hours, 26 minutes ago
    Protesters Will Leave Bangkok Airports Anti-government protesters in Thailand will end their occupation of Bangkok's two airports, allowing stranded tourists to fly home as soon as Thursday. All protests will end tomorrow, the People's Alliance for Democracy announced today, following a decision by the country's constitutional court that dissolved the leading political parties and barred the prime minister and other top politicians from holding office for 5 years.
    More »

  • Thai Court Dissolves Ruling Party, Boots PM

    15 hours, 57 minutes ago
    Thai Court Dissolves Ruling Party, Boots PM A Thai court has ordered the country's ruling coalition parties to be dissolved and Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawt and other leaders immediately banned from politics for five years after finding them guilty of electoral fraud, Reuters reports. Wongsawat has accepted the ruling but it's unclear whether his ouster will be enough to ease tensions in the capital. Anti-government protesters who have occupied Bangkok's two airports for a week erupted in cheers upon hearing the news.
    More »

  • Thai Protesters Let Empty Planes Leave Airport

    Dec 1, 08 2:43 AM CST
    Thai Protesters Let Empty Planes Leave Airport Thai protesters allowed 37 empty planes to be flown today from Bangkok's main airport after European nations announced they would charter flights to evacuate nationals trapped there. The planes flew to a naval base, where travelers can try to arrange to catch flights home, CNN reports. Protesters will allow another 50 flights out later today, according to the BBC.
    More »

  • Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters

    Nov 29, 08 5:08 PM CST
    Grenade Blast Hurts 46 Thai Protesters A grenade blast at the prime minister’s compound in Bangkok has wounded 46 anti-government protesters, at least two critically, Reuters reports. A leader of the party leading the protest blamed pro-government forces for the attack, which comes as demonstrations at the Government House and Bangkok's international airport garner worldwide attention.  “If they shoot us, we'll shoot them back," said another party leader. "We will die if that makes the country better."
    More »

  • Tension Builds in Bangkok Standoff

    Nov 29, 08 7:22 AM CST
    Tension Builds in Bangkok Standoff Police built a huge cordon around Thailand’s main airport today, fueling fears of a confrontation between the government and protesters who have occupied it since Tuesday, the AP reports. Some 2,000 police surrounded demonstrators at Suvarnabhumi airport, where all flights have been grounded, leaving 100,000 tourists stranded. After a series of escalating warnings to disband, the government says it will “take action.”
    More »

A pro-government protester uses a slingshot against anti-government demonstrators during a demonstration near Bangkok's Government House today.   (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
Soldiers stand guard with shields as they block a street to avoid clashes between pro-and-anti-government protesters near Government House in Bangkok today.   (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
Soldiers stand guard with shields as they block a street near Government House in Bangkok.   (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Thai protests turn deadly .   (thaienews)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

I had no other choice but to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok in order to solve the problem for once and for all. The military and police will carry out the implementation. - Thai PM Samak Sundarajev

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

Thailand • Bangkok • People's Alliance for Democracy • Thai protesters • Samak Sundaravej


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »