Protesters holding Bangkok’s airports were facing a crackdown tonight as the government warned it would use force to remove them.

Thailand's prime minister today declared a state of emergency in the country to allow the protesters blockading Bangkok's airports to be cleared by force.

Thousands of stranded tourists will be flown out of Thai military bases in the next 48 hours, the country’s tourism minister promised today.

Thai authorities shut down Bangkok’s second airport today after it was overrun by anti-government protesters, cutting off the capital from air traffic as the prime minister rejected their demands to resign.

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.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish people travelling in Thailand to exercise extra caution.

Tourists today spoke of “chaos and confusion” after they were caught in anti-government protests that have forced the closure of Bangkok airport.

Thailand’s main international airport cancelled all flights today as protesters thronged the complex in an effort to bring down the government.