Large scale demonstrations will impact on transportation for travellers

More than 30,000 protesters affiliated with the opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) disrupted transportation and forcibly entered major government buildings, including the Government House, the Ministry of Finance, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transportation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Headquarters on 26 August 2008. In addition, protesters blocked transportation in the areas surrounding these facilities, as well as entrances into and around the capital city. The seizure of the NBT initially failed, and more than 80 individuals were arrested. On the second try, PAD members were able to enter the facility; however, they were unable to disrupt transmission and moved on to the Government House. Those arrested in front of the NBT were detained for trespassing and for carrying weapons, including handguns, slingshots and golf clubs. A news anchor was reportedly attacked during the siege. The PAD indicated that the purpose of the protest is to halt all government operations for at least three days and cut all power and water supplies to the facilities until Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his administration step down. The PAD termed the push its "final war" against the government, vowing to continue protesting until the government steps down. The government, however, stated that it will not tolerate these illegal actions and that it will not step down. The administration ordered the PAD protesters to leave the facilities they have entered or they will be forcefully removed. Due to the protests, the Cabinet meeting scheduled to take place at the Government House was moved to the Royal Thai Armed Forces headquarters. Officials gave the protesters until 1800 local time (1100 UTC) to leave the facilities they were occupying. However, there have been no reports that the protesters have made any moves to leave the government buildings. Samak has warned that he will arrest key leaders of the PAD after police officers remove protesters occupying the Government House. He reassured the public that use of force will be minimal and non-violent in nature and that there is no need for a declaration of a state of emergency. The Cabinet intends to return to work at the Government House on 27 August. Minimal violence has been reported in relation to these protests. Military officials have indicated that they do not see the need for their forces to get involved and assured the public that the military will not stage a coup. They added that they expect riot police officers to disperse the protests within 24 hours. PAD protests were also reported outside of Bangkok, in southern, northern and northeastern Thailand.