Thailand Calls for Thailand’s ruling party to be dissolved 02/09/08 13:48 CET

Thailand’s electoral commission has recommended the dissolution of the ruling party after violent protests turned deadly. The Thai government imposed a state of emergency as the army moved in to Bangkok to restore control. And, Prime Minister Samak Sundarevej blamed a minority for wreaking havoc, saying a state of emergency was needed:

‘‘Life will going on as usual but we have a right to do something for those who perform what that happened in the Prime Minister’s office. That’s the only way to solve the problem, we must declare an emergency.’‘

The government claims the People’s Alliance for Democracy, which has widespread support in the business and academic community, has launched a ‘guerilla war’. At least one man was killed in the clashes. And, under sweeping emergency powers all public gatherings will now be illegal. Demonstrators, who barricaded themselves in to the Prime Minister’s official compound, have accused him of being corrupt and incompetent.