Political Unrest

Thailand declares a state of emergency

(02 September 2008)

Thailand declared a state of emergency early Tuesday morning following the death of a man in clashes between supporters of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and those demanding his resignation.

It means travel misery for thousands of tourists in the country. Protest group People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has threatened to close several of Thailand's airports, including Phuket, Krabi and Samui unless the prime minister resigns.

PAD also has plans to block roads leading to the south of the country, while rail services in the north have been suspended after protests by rail workers.