Breaking News: State of Emergency declared in Bangkok

BANGKOK (The Nation): Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced a State of Emergency in the Nation’s capital as well as neighboring provinces Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya.

Phuket and other southern provinces are not affected.

Speaking on TV at 5:20 this afternoon (Sunday), the PM asked the public not to panic with the chaos caused by the red shirted protesters, saying that his government’s authorities were now ready to suppress the protesters.

He urged the public to remain calm during the operations.

The protesters, largely supporters of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, successfully instigated the chaos in Bangkok today by blocking roads, breaking into the Interior Ministry, and seizing armored vehicles and buses.

Abhisit’s TV announcement came shortly after some 1,000 police armed with full gear, including tear gas, were heading to Government House, reportedly to crack down on the protesters.