"Thailand declares state of emergency at airports; Military told to 'take care' of situation" by Thomas Fuller, New York Times | November 28, 2008
BANGKOK - Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency at Bangkok's two commercial airports yesterday and instructed the police and some military units to deal with protesters occupying the facilities....
There were rumors of a military coup to end the monthslong standoff with the People's Alliance for Democracy, which is trying to topple the government. A government spokesman instructed troops yesterday to "stay in their barracks," and there were no obvious signs of police or military near the airport last night, the Associated Press reported.
Protesters have vowed to keep the airports shut until the government steps down. Government supporters who have formed a type of auxiliary, known as the red shirts, said they were growing impatient with the protesters. Weera Musikapong, one of the leaders of the group said in a news conference that.... "If the government does not act today or tomorrow the red shirt group and the people must come out and do something."
Translation: AGENT PROVOCATEURS of the GOVERNMENT are going to try to START a CIVIL WAR!!!
Related: Trouble in Thailand
Protesters have clashed with progovernment forces on several occasions in recent months....
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The airports operated with little interruption during a military coup in 2006 and has maintained reliable service in areas such as electricity and healthcare despite political turmoil. But with the closure of the airports this week and occupation of the prime minister's office since August, politics is now directly interfering with many facets of life in Thailand.
The country's foreign minister, Sompong Amornwiwat, said the government is considering postponing a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations scheduled for next month because of the political crisis, Reuters reported. "The protesters have basically closed down the country," said Ruth Banomyong, an associate professor at Thammasat Business School who is one of the region's leading experts in logistics. --more--"
And how did they do that?
Protesters occupied a checkpoint today at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. They have also taken over the city's other commercial airport and the prime minister's offices. (Vincent Thian/associated press)
Learn your lessons well, America; you may need them soon!
