A state of emergency remains in effect for a second consecutive day in Bangkok

A state of emergency remains in effect for a second consecutive day in Bangkok on 3 September 2008. Strikes called by unions to disrupt water and power supplies on 3 September were unsuccessful, and services are running normally. Some railway employees who took part in protect actions that disrupted services last week have returned to work on 3 September, leaving only the southern provinces with non-operating trains. Reports also indicate that public buses have resumed services and Bangkok's sky train and underground subway are operating as normal. Hat Yai Airport (VTSS/HDY) faced another day of disruptions as protesters continued to block roads leading to the airport. Supporters of the opposition organization People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) remain adamant about blocking the entrance to the airport until late evening on 4 September. Meanwhile, the military has not made any attempts to disperse the crowds of protesters invading the Government House compound, although military and police officers are deployed at intersections surrounding the Government House. PAD protesters have erected barricades of rubber tires around the compound; PAD guards armed with iron bars and batons remain stationed at these barricades. In Chumphon, one of 14 southern provinces participating in the protests, approximately 500 protesters made their way into the city hall to protest against the state of emergency in Bangkok, vowing to continue demonstrations until demands set forth by PAD protesters are met. Protesters in Phuket also rallied inside the provincial hall on 3 September. Meanwhile, the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) suggested that a referendum be held to alleviate the recent political pressures that have led to the unrest. PPP officials stated that the referendum would ask voters to answer three questions with a “yes” or “no” response, but did not reveal the content of the questions. However, rumors have begun to emerge that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will announce his resignation on 4 September during a radio address at 0730 local time. This speculation follows the announcement on 3 September by the foreign minister that he has resigned his post, although the latter's resignation is not yet official.