Thailand declares state of emergency | Top Russian news and analysis online | ‘RIA Novosti’ newswire: “The Thai prime minister has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and nearby provinces over the continuing opposition protests, a national TV channel reported on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the move, which gives the police and the army more powers to control the anti-government protests, is aimed at ‘restoring normal life in the country.’
Thailand is a popular Russian tourist destination. Earlier this month the Russian Foreign Ministry cautioned its nationals against visiting Bangkok in the next few weeks because of the riots.
The state of emergency, which has been declared in the Thai capital for the fourth time since 2008, bans gatherings of more than five people and allows police to detain suspects.
Anti-government protesters, the so-called ‘red shirts,’ stormed the Thai parliament on Wednesday forcing a number of senior government officials to flee in a military helicopter.
The protesters, who support the ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, have been rioting since March 12. They demand that Abhisit dissolves parliament within 15 days and calls new elections.”