BANGKOK, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Political chaos continued in Bangkok on Thursday as another airport was shut down because of anti-government protesters' besiege, while more explosions heard around the Government House.
The Don Mueang Airport on Bangkok suburb, mainly used for domestic and military flights, had to stop services since midnight Wednesday after the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) seized control of the domestic passenger terminal.
Meanwhile, four explosions occurred at the Misakawan Intersection near the Government House early Thursday according to The Nation news website. No casualties were reported.
Thai TV Channel 9 reported that all passenger services at the Don Mueang Airport were stopped after the last flight left the airport at midnight.
The airport, used as the temporary government seat after the Government House was occupied by the PAD protesters since Aug. 26,had been targeted by the PAD on Tuesday as they expanded besiege to state agencies. It was initially reported that the flight with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat returning from an APEC meeting inPeru would land at the airport on Wednesday, but Somchai later arrived in Chiang Mai in the north.
The Suvarnabhumi International Airport had already been closed since Tuesday night after PAD protesters stormed the passenger terminal.
PAD had planned to block the entrance to the Don Mueang military airport Thursday morning in an attempt to stop Cabinet members from leaving Bangkok for Chiang Mai to meet Somchai for a Cabinet emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
PAD canceled the plan after 8:OO a.m. (0100 GMT) after hearing that cabinet members would not gather there for flying to Chiang Mai.
Thai Army Chief advises PM to dissolve parliament
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Anti-government protesters block Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport November 25, 2008. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport was paralyzed on Wednesday, with most flights canceled for the day, after protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) expanded their besiege on state agencies to the airport on Tuesday evening in a showdown to topplethe government led by premier Somchai Wongsawat.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)
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BANGKOK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai Army Chief Anupong Paochinda on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Somchai Wonsawat to dissolve the parliament and the protesters of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to end rallies immediately, or will encounter the confrontations with "civil disobedience".
Anupong made the "suggestions" on Wednesday afternoon at a press conference after holding an urgent meeting among military and police top brass, business leaders and academics. Full story
Bangkok's airport paralyzed after protesters' intrusion, big loss expected
BANGKOK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport was paralyzed on Wednesday, with most flights canceled for the day, after protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) expanded their besiege on state agencies to the airport on Tuesday evening in a showdown to topplethe government led by premier Somchai Wongsawat.
The escalated political confrontation is expected to cause more loss to the country's image and tourism industry. Full story
Thai political turmoil deepens amid continuous protests
BANGKOK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of chanting protesters wearing yellow T-shirts and waving national flags have demonstrated on two consecutive days in what they say is an effort to topple the Thai government.
Analysts say it would be no easy job to end the years-long political turmoil that has been marked by accusations and unceasing protests and that the turbulence will cause Thailand's economy additional disturbances. Full story
Bangkok in almost anarchy as confrontation upgrades
BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The "City of Angles" on Tuesday was in chaos as anti-government protesters seized the temporary administration seat -- Don Mueang airport, clashed with pro-government taxi drivers, forcing the Cabinet to indefinitely postpone its weekly meeting.
The anarchy turned violent when protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Tuesday evening clashed with a group of pro-government taxi drivers on Vibhavadi Road, leaving at least 11 injured. Two of the taxi drivers suffered gunshot wounds. Full story
Thai PM insists premiership despite protest
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Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat reviews the honor guard at the government palace in Lima November 24, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat insists not to step down or dissolve the House of Representatives despite the latest rally staged by anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protestors, government spokesman Nattawut Saikua said Tuesday.
Nattawut was quoted by The Nation news network as saying that the government would not yield to the undemocratic and unconstitutional attempt by the PAD to force it out of office. Full story
Anti- and pro-gov't protestors clash in Bangkok, 8 injured
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Anti-government protestors led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrate near the parliament complex in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Nov. 24, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- After several days of peaceful protest, the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) clashed with pro-government taxi drivers on Tuesday afternoon, injuring eight persons.
According to local reports, some 20 PAD guards battled with a group of taxi drivers who support the government on the way to the Suvarnabhumi airport.
Thai army chief rules out coup rumor
BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's army chief Anupong Paojinda on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of a military coup to topple the government, explaining the coup could not solve problems.
Anupong, who chairs the committee for monitoring political developments, said the army has prepared plans and security forcesto handle groups of anti-government protestors occupying different areas.
Thai anti-gov't leader vows to topple gov't by Wednesday
BANGKOK, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang said on Monday protestors' march to seal off different locations in Bangkok on Monday is simply a prelude, as the group planned more intense coordinated protests on Tuesday and vowed to topple the government by Wednesday.
On Monday, key PAD leaders declared victory after their mass protests at Parliament prompted the cancellation of Monday's joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Anti-gov't protestors besiege Thai parliament complex
BANGKOK, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A scheduled Monday Parliament session was called off following thousands of anti-government protestors led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) began the besiege of the Parliament complex and other establishments in a showdown effort to bring the "Thaksin-proxy" government down.
Parliament President Chai Chidchob had to make a phone announcement to cancel the joint House-Senate session originally planned to start at 9:30 a.m. (0230GMT) Monday.
