THAI prime minister Somchai Wongsawat last night rejected his army chief’s call to quit in the face of anti- government protests that threaten to spiral out of control across the country.

Thailand’s prime minister refused to step down tonight despite protesters bringing the country’s biggest airport to a standstill and a call for new elections from the army’s head.

Protesters who brought Bangkok airport to a standstill stranding thousands of travellers refused a plea from the country’s army chief to halt their action today.

THAILAND’S ruling People Power Party (PPP) nominated a brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra as its pick for prime minister yesterday, antagonising protesters who accuse the government of being a puppet of the ousted leader.

SAMAK SUNDARAVEJ will not be a candidate when the Thai parliament votes next week for a new premier, an aide said yesterday, but street campaigners vowed to keep pressure on the government he led for seven months.

Thailand’s prime minister today refused to cede to protesters determined to oust him, but offered a referendum on his fate aimed at ending the political crisis that has raised fears of economic chaos.

Anti-government protesters in Thailand have formed a human chain around their leaders, fearing they will be arrested for the takeover of the prime minister’s office compound.

THOUSANDS of Thai protesters stormed a state- run TV station and the seat of government yesterday, in what Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said was an effort to provoke another coup.