Anti-government protestors stand guard at a check-point leading towards Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport Nov. 27, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 30 -- After talks with anti-government protesters failed to end the blockade, dozens of riot police have arrived at Bangkok's international airport. But the Prime Minister says the security forces will try to defuse the situation peacefully.

    About 100 police have set up a perimeter at the Suvarnabhumi headquarters, about 300 meters from where the protesters had besieged the main terminal.

    An unspecified number of policemen equipped with M-15 assault rifles have also been deployed.

    Earlier, police said they hoped talks with protest leaders would end the siege, but warned they would "take other steps" if talks failed.

    Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, said, "The security forces will use peaceful means. We have no intention to hurt anyone or use violence. We're all Thais. There will be negotiations and whatever else that is appropriate in the situation."

    Meanwhile, the national police chief, Phatcharawat Wongsuwan, has been removed from his post, and inspector-general Prateep Tanprasert appointed caretaker.

    The move comes less than 24 hours after the police were made to lead state of emergency operations to dislodge anti-government protesters from the Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.

    But the protesters say they are ready for any assault.

    The siege at the two airports have cut the Thai capital's air links to the world, leaving thousands stranded and hurting the tourist-dependent economy.

(Source: CCTV.com)

Some 34 Thai anti-gov't protestors injured in grenade explosion

    BANGKOK, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Some 34 Thai anti-government protestors at Government House were injured in a grenade explosion here early on Sunday, local TV reports said.

    News reports said the grenade landed near the prime minister's offices, which have been occupied by protestors led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) since August. Full story

Atmosphere tense in Bangkok, but no action taken after emergency decree imposed

    BANGKOK, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The atmosphere on Friday morning was tense in Bangkok, especially at the two airports hijacked by anti-government protesters, after the government declared a state of emergency at the airports.

    In early hours of Friday, two M79 grenades were lodged at the head office of satellite TV station ASTV, the mouthpiece of anti-government movement People's Alliance for Democracy.  Full story