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State of emergency declared in Bangkok

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-02 09:04

BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday morning announced to impose a state of emergency in Bangkok following violent clashes between the pro and anti-government protesters early in the morning.

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The premier made the announcement at 7:00 am Tuesday (0000 GMT) through TV pool and radio broadcasters nationwide, after confrontations between pro-government protesters led by the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) and anti-government protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy ( PAD), which leading to at least one death and dozens of injuries during the first two hours of Tuesday near the Government House.

The DAAD spokesman has said they would follow the law and end its rally at Sanam Luang (Royal Field), while the PAD said it is pending decision from a leaders' meeting.