Thailand’s army said today it would begin limiting supplies of water, food and electricity to protesters camped in central Bangkok in a bid to clear the streets by midnight.

Troops shut down railway stations in the Thai capital today after anti-government protesters broke into a station and threw tyres on the platform in their campaign for immediate elections.

Leaders of Thailand’s Red Shirt protesters told their followers to lose their signature crimson clothing so they can go undercover in case of a possible government crackdown.

Thailand's beleaguered government insisted it had no plan for an immediate crackdown on protesters despite handing over security operations to the army chief, saying today that too many people are camped in central Bangkok to use force.

Thailand moved today to close a refugee camp and send 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to Laos, despite concerns about their safety.

Thailand today declared a state of emergency in Pattaya, the city hosting a summit of Asian leaders, and cancelled the event for security reasons after more than 1,000 anti-government protesters stormed the venue.