Tens of thousands of protesters are marching in Bangkok in the biggest challenge to Abhisit Vejjajiva’s four-month-old government, as the Thai prime minister called for calm amid fears of violence.

Thailand’s prime minister has vowed to prevent a “civil war” as the nation braced for a massive anti-government protest tomorrow amid fears of bloodshed, just two days before Asian leaders gather in the country.

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin has admitted helping controversial poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh to obtain a visa for a Nepalese teenager whom he brought to Ireland.

Pakistani forces opened fire on Indian border guards before dawn today, an official said, adding that two of the Indian troopers were shot and wounded.