Thai law enforcement authorities have decided to file a murder charge against former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in the first prosecutions of officials related to a deadly 2010 crackdown on anti-government protests.

The Thai government today extended for three months a state of emergency in the capital and 18 provinces in the wake of bloody, anti-government demonstrations which pushed the country close to chaos.

Security forces and agitated protesters faced off at a major intersection after bloody grenade attacks rattled Thailand’s chaotic capital – a scene of tense, weeks-long confrontations between die-hard demonstrators and a wavering government.

Anti-government protesters stormed into Thailand’s parliament today as MPs scaled walls to flee and a helicopter evacuation of others still trapped inside was being prepared, Thai TV and officials said.