A drugged tiger cub hidden among stuffed toy tigers was found in the suitcase of a woman flying from Bangkok to Iran.

More than 450 Thai Muslims stranded at Bangkok’s besieged airport for four days have been bussed to a military base to board a plane for the hajj pilgrimage.

At least 51 anti-government protesters were wounded in several explosions, raising fears of widening confrontations in a stand-off that has strangled Thailand’s economy and shut down its airports.

Thailand’s government backed off today from its threat to forcibly remove protesters occupying Bangkok’s two airports, dashing hopes of quick resolution to a stand-off that has stranded thousands of travellers.

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.

More than 30 airline passengers and crew were injured after their jet hit sudden turbulence 20 minutes from landing today.

The taxiways are cracked, the terminal has leaks and some airlines even wonder whether it is safe to fly into Thailand’s new international airport.