Thai Civil War Fears Grow

Protests spread from Bangkok to provinces
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 27, 2010 12:21 AM CDT
Thai Civil War Fears Grow
Thai soldiers move into position in Bangkok this morning.   (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

The unrest in Thailand is rapidly spreading from Bangkok to the provinces, raising fears that widespread civil conflict looms. Supporters of anti-government Red Shirt protesters have been blocking roads around the country to prevent reinforcements of police and soldiers reaching the capital, the BBC reports. Protesters in Bangkok caused chaos in rush hour this morning by overrunning a train station.

Pro-government Yellow Shirts, meanwhile, have urged Abhisit Vejjajiva's embattled government to declare martial law in Bangkok and a state of emergency in provinces dominated by the Red Shirts. King Bhumibol Adulyade—widely seen as the only figure who can offer a peaceful way out of the crisis—yesterday made his first public comments since the 7-week standoff began, but did not directly address the country's political crisis. (More Bangkok stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X