Rioting follows state of emergency in Thai capital

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Swarms of anti-government protesters attacked the prime minister's car, seized control of major intersections in the capital and commandeered buses, bringing new chaos to the Thai capital as the country's ousted leader threatened to return from exile to lead a revolution.

The government declared a state of emergency Sunday but, without the intervention of security forces, it was unclear how any bans could be enforced.

(snip)

Outside the Interior Ministry earlier in the day, a furious mob attacked Abhisit's car with poles, stones and even flower pots as it slowly made its escape. Police in riot gear nearby did nothing.

Protests were also reported in areas of northern and northeastern Thailand, with one group threatening to blockade the main bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3j-vAVG1fg3kEfnogTiH8_4EXvwD97H2UHG0

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The article also states that Thaksin might return from exile to lead a revolution.

[bemildred]

1. Sounds like things are getting out of control.

Once the cops and the military give up on you, it's just a matter of time, and not that much time either.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Thai soldiers open fire on crowd

Thai soldiers have opened fire on a crowd of anti-government protesters in the centre of the capital, Bangkok, who fled before the bullets.

A BBC correspondent witnessed the lunchtime attack which came after a night of tension as troops cleared demonstrators blocking a road junction.

At least 70 people were injured in the earlier violence close to the landmark Victory Monument.

Tear gas and bullets were fired as stones and petrol bombs were thrown.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7996241.stm

I'm amazed no-one has been killed yet. The BBC reporter said troops were firing live bullets into the crowd as well as above them; and someone drove a bus at the troops.