State of emergency declared in Bangkok

Embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok on 2 September 2008 following clashes between opposition and government supporters in the capital during the early morning hours. Official reports indicate that at least one person was killed in the clashes earlier in the day, when government supporters associated with the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) broke through police lines; authorities were able to quell the violence shortly thereafter and hundreds of police officers remain deployed throughout Bangkok (particularly in the area surrounding the Government House). In an earlier incident of violence, a bomb exploded on 1 September at a police booth in Bangkok. The blast reportedly damaged windows, but there were no casualties associated with it. The opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has staged massive protests at key government facilities to demand Samak's resignation, has denied all charges that it was behind the explosion. An investigation is currently underway. As part of the state of emergency declaration, all public gatherings in restricted areas (as determined by officials) are banned until further notice, individuals are barred from entering buildings deemed restricted by the government and all media outlets are disallowed from publishing reports that can exacerbate the situation. The state of emergency also allows for the army chief to take control over the process of bringing about public order. In response, the army chief has stated that his top priority will be to end the crisis without violence; he reiterated that he does not believe the military will stage a coup. Following the declaration of the state of emergency, PAD leaders issued a message to their supporters, stating that although the rallies in Bangkok may come to an end within two days -- as the military disperses the crowds -- residents from other provinces should join the mass protests in the nation's capital. The PAD is also threatening to launch strikes beginning on 3 September, which would further escalate the situation. The strike is expected to involve thousands of workers associated with public sector unions, affecting an estimated 43 state enterprises with more than 200,000 employees. If the strike takes place, it would also significantly affect public transportation services in Bangkok and airport operations in the country. Furthermore, the Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports have reportedly indicated that they might join the strike, halting operations. On 1 September, the Thai government appealed to the state enterprise labor unions to call off their planned strike, which would cut off electricity and other public utilities such as water for the entirety of Bangkok. Meanwhile, as of 2 September, protesters have again forced Hat Yai Airport in southern Thailand to completely shut down operations. According to local sources, protesters blocked the entrance to the facility, causing the suspension of flights. As such, airport operations in other cities face an increased possibility of being affected. According to local sources, there are unconfirmed reports that protesters are planning to cause disruptions at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport (VTBD/DMK) on 3 September. There have been no reports that Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS/BKK), Bangkok's main airport, will be targeted. In addition, rumors have circulated that Thai Airways will join the striking unions on 3 September, which could potentially affect operations. Separately, approximately 90 railway lines remain closed. Local sources state that although transportation in areas surrounding major flashpoints in the capital has been significantly disrupted, traffic is still moving relatively well in central Bangkok. The government announced that due to the ongoing crisis, Bangkok public schools will be closed for at least three days. The Foreign Ministry of Thailand stated on 2 September that all diplomatic co