State of emergency declared in Bangkok
A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok
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Sunday, 12, Apr 2009 10:34
A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok, as anti-government protests continue, Thai officials have declared.
The announcement comes a day after protestors managed to force the cancellation of an Asian leaders' summit in the Thai town Pattaya.
The heads of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) had gathered at the beach resort to discuss the global economic downturn.
But an heightened state of emergency was announced after red-shirted anti-government protestors stormed the venue demanding the resignation of Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Thai police have said they have now arrested the leader of the protests, Arisman Pongruengrong, with Mr Abhisit vowing to prosecute those involved in the demonstrations.
Mr Arisman is reported to have been arrested after returning to his home in the capital on Sunday.
The supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra claim Mr Abhisit took office illegally and is a puppet of the Thai military.
On Sunday protestors managed to break into the interior ministry and attack a car they thought was carrying Mr Abhisit.
The prime minister is reported to have escaped unhurt but tanks and soldiers have now been deployed onto the capital's streets.