Pressure mounts on Thai prime minister

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2009 09:07

The Thai government declared a state of emergency in Bangkok on Sunday, one day after anti-government protestors forced the cancellation of the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya.

Protesters surround and beat the car carrying Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the interior ministry in  Bangkok April 12, 2009. Troops fired into the air as Thai anti-government protesters stormed the country's interior ministry on Sunday after Abhisit declared a state of  emergency in the capital.[Agencies]

Amid the increasing violence by anti-government protesters in the capital, Prime Minister Abhisit promised to bring the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said, "I will ensure that the government will try to avoid any damage that might cause more violence."

After the declaration, however, anti-government protesters stormed the country's interior ministry. About 50 protesters broke through security while Abhisit was in the building, but the prime minister escaped unharmed. Gunshots were heard as his vehicle rushed out through protesters.

Previously, Abhisit had promised swift legal action against the leader of demonstrators.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said, "We've already issued an arrest warrant for one person, and today our lawyers will push for the courts to issued warrants for all the people involved as soon as possible."