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State of Emergency Declared in Bangkok

Gov't bans gatherings of more than 5 in capital

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 12, 2009 5:55 AM CDT

(AP) – Thailand's embattled government, humiliated by demonstrators who shut down a 16-nation Asian summit, declared a state of emergency in the capital today and ordered armored vehicles into the streets to stem a tide of protest across the country. Bands of anti-government protesters roamed Bangkok as the decree was announced. They smashed a car, commandeered public buses, and beat up motorists who hurled insults at them.

The emergency decree bans gatherings of more than five people, forbids news reports considered threatening to public order, and allows the government to call up military troops to quell unrest. But there were signs that officials might not be able to contain the protesters. Demonstrators swarmed over two armored personnel carriers outside a city shopping mall, while police stood by as a furious crowd beat a car that they thought held the prime minister.

Anti-government protesters and supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra react to the speech of Thaksin, who addressed the crowd via telephone Saturday, April 11, 2009.
Anti-government protesters and supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra react to the speech of Thaksin, who addressed the crowd via telephone Saturday, April 11, 2009.   (Wason Wanichakorn)
Thai soldiers drive their tanks on the road in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Thai soldiers drive their tanks on the road in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, April 12, 2009.   (Apichart Weerawong)
In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addresses a press conference in Pattaya, Thailand, Saturday, April 11, 2009.
In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addresses a press conference in Pattaya, Thailand, Saturday, April 11, 2009.   (Zhang Fengguo)
Anti-government leader Arisman Pongruengrong, center wearing glasses, leads protesters towards the 14th ASEAN Summit, Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.
Anti-government leader Arisman Pongruengrong, center wearing glasses, leads protesters towards the 14th ASEAN Summit, Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Pattaya, Thailand.   (David Longstreath)
Anti-government demonstrators cheer after taking over a Thai Army armored personnel carrier Sunday, April 12, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Anti-government demonstrators cheer after taking over a Thai Army armored personnel carrier Sunday, April 12, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand.   (David Longstreath)
Soldiers drive their tanks on the road in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Soldiers drive their tanks on the road in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, April 12, 2009.   (Apichart Weerawong)
Anti-government demonstrators cheer after taking over a Thai Army armored personnel carrier Sunday, April 12, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Anti-government demonstrators cheer after taking over a Thai Army armored personnel carrier Sunday, April 12, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand.   (David Longstreath)
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