Thai grenade attack injures more than 50

A grenade blast has wounded more than 50 anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok, adding to Thailand’s increasingly violent political crisis.

The grenade exploded at Government House, which has been occupied by the People’s Alliance for Democracy since August. At least two people are thought to be in a critical condition.

Earlier, anti-government protesters clashed with police near Bangkok’s international airport, forcing officers to flee.

With the blockade of Bangkok’s two airports continuing, the US and EU have called for the People’s Alliance for Democracy to end their occupation. But, the demonstrators say they will not leave until the prime minister steps down.

The unrest has paralysed flights, leaving thousands of stranded passengers desperately searching for a way out of the country.

Thailand’s deputy prime minister warned it could take up to a month to repatriate foreigners, and said the protests threaten long-term damage to the country’s tourist industry, possibly halving the number of people visiting Thailand next year.

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