Thailand Declares A State Of Emergency

Thai soldiers stand guard with shields as they block a street to avoid clash between Thai pro-government protestors and anti-government protesters near the Government House, in Bangkok in the early morning of Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. Thailand's prime minister declared a state of emergency in the capital Tuesday after street fighting overnight between opponents and supporters of the government left one man dead and dozens of people injured. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

Thai PM Declares State Of Emergency In Capital -- Yahoo News/AP

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thailand's prime minister declared a state of emergency in the capital Tuesday after street fighting overnight between supporters and opponents of the government left one man dead and dozens injured.

The violence — the most serious since the protests began — followed a threat by state workers to cut off water, electricity and phone service at government offices and disrupt flights of the national airline in support of protesters trying to bring down Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

An announcement broadcast on all Thai television stations at 7 a.m. said Samak had decreed a state of emergency in Bangkok. The measure allows the use of military forces in policing activities, limits public gatherings, bans news reports that could instigate violence, and allows security officials to clear public roads, buildings and other areas. It would also permit the military to immediately oust the protesters occupying the prime minister's premises.

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More News On Thailand

Thailand's prime minister declares state of emergency -- CNN
Protester killed as Thailand democracy protest turns violent -- The Guardian
Bangkok under state of emergency -- BBC
One dead, dozens injured as protesters clash in Bangkok: officials -- AFP
Thai PM imposes emergency rule after street battle -- Reuters
Thai PM says protesters must leave government complex -- The Standard
One Killed in Thai Protests; Emergency Is Declared -- New York Times
Rifts behind Thailand's political crisis -- BBC

My Comment: This was all predicted. With the Army watching events very closely, the danger will arise when they start to become involved directly. At the moment .... this is a 50 - 50 possibility.