Thai army launches crackdown

The Thai army has launched a crackdown on anti-government protesters, leaving dozens injured.

The worst violence was around a major road junction in the capital, Bangkok. As tens of thousands took to the streets, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency. The protesters want former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra re-instated. He has been calling for a people’s revolution. The Thai Prime Minister has been rejecting rumours of a government rift. He said: “I want to communicate to the people: please do not panic and understand the duty of the authorities, police and soldiers who are performing their duties within the framework of the law, which is according to the emergency law.” Before last night’s violence, scores of protesters entered the Thai Interior Ministry looking for the prime minister, who managed to escape before they arrived. Thailand has seen 18 coups since 1932. The present government insists it is very much in control.

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