The Iranians arrested after accidentally setting off explosives at their rented home in Bangkok were plotting to attack Israeli diplomats, Thailand's police chief said.

The main river coursing through Thailand’s capital swelled to record highs today amid fears that flood defences could break and swamp the heart of the city.

Red-shirted protesters hurled plastic bags filled with gallons of their own blood into the residential compound of the Thai prime minister today, hoping their shock tactics would bring down his government.