Anti-government protest blocks Bangkok airport

Thailand’s prime minister has urged the country’s armed forces not to intervene as anti-government protests grow stronger.

Somchai Wongsawat has told the army to stay in its barracks amid rumours of an imminent coup.

It comes after the army’s chief called for a general election to defuse the country’s political crisis which has now led to the closure of Bangkok’s second airport.

The blockade since late on Tuesday has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and left thousands of tourists stranded.

The protesters have been waging a street campaign for six months against an administration that it regards as the puppet of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed by the military two years ago and now lives in
exile

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