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Thailand Cancels Summit, Declares Emergency

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 11, 2009 6:58 AM CDT
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(AP) – Anti-government protesters stormed a building where leaders of Asian nations were to meet today, prompting Thailand's government to cancel the summit and declare a state of emergency in the seaside city that was to host it. More than 1,000 protesters smashed through the convention center's glass doors and ran through the building, overturning tables, blowing horns, waving Thai flags and screaming, "Abhisit get out!" The leaders were evacuated by helicopter from Pattaya to a nearby military airport, AP reports.

The red-shirted protesters, who are calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, declared victory and walked away from the convention center. "We have won. We have stopped them from holding a summit," one of the protest leaders said in the capital, Bangkok. "But we have not achieved our goal yet. We will continue to protest in Bangkok until Abhisit resigns." The Foreign Ministry said all the leaders were safe.

Anti-government demonstrators storm through the 14th ASEAN convention hall Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand, at the 14th ASEAN summit.
Anti-government demonstrators storm through the 14th ASEAN convention hall Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand, at the 14th ASEAN summit.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Anti-government demonstrators storm past Thai soldiers as they force their way into the 14th ASEAN Summit media center Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.
Anti-government demonstrators storm past Thai soldiers as they force their way into the 14th ASEAN Summit media center Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A masked Thai anti-government demonstrator carries the national flag after protestors bashed their way into the venue of the 14th ASEAN summit on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.
A masked Thai anti-government demonstrator carries the national flag after protestors bashed their way into the venue of the 14th ASEAN summit on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)
Thai anti-government demonstrators shout at officials after basing their way into the meeting venue on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand, at the 14th ASEAN summit.
Thai anti-government demonstrators shout at officials after basing their way into the meeting venue on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand, at the 14th ASEAN summit.   (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)
Anti-government demonstrators storm past Thai soldiers as they force their way into the 14th ASEAN Summit convention hall Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.
Anti-government demonstrators storm past Thai soldiers as they force their way into the 14th ASEAN Summit convention hall Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
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Thailand • ASEAN • Abhisit Vejjajiva • Pattaya

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