Tension Builds in Bangkok Standoff

PAD blames pro-government forces, says it's willing to die for cause

(NEWSER) - 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»

(NEWSER) - Anti-government protesters ignored Thailand’s state of emergency by the thousands today while former PM Thaksin Shinawatra called on them “to come out in revolution,” the New York Times reports. In defiance of a ban on gatherings of more than five people in Bangkok, demonstrators rallied outside the current prime minister’s home, attacked his car, and erected barricades in case of military intervention. More»

Demonstrators want to show world the flaws in their government

(NEWSER) - Hundreds of demonstrators in the Thai tourist town of Pattaya blocked the entrance to the building hosting an East Asian summit meeting today, giving foreign leaders a firsthand look at the country’s political schism. Economic concerns weighed heavily with the protesters, most supporters of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra; one told the New York Times current PM Abhisit Vejjajiva leads a “government of thieves.” More»

300,000 stranded travelers scramble to grab seats

(NEWSER) - Flights have resumed at Bangkok's international airport as a mob of Thai protesters began exiting after a week-long siege. A passenger flight has already landed, and cargo planes have taken off. The first departing passenger plane is scheduled tomorrow, reports CNN. It will be days before both airports in the city shut down by anti-government protesters will be back up to full speed, according to officials. Some 300,000 stranded travelers are awaiting flights out of the city. More»

PAD announces end to demonstrations; flights will resume soon

(NEWSER) - 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»