Thailand declares state of emergency

THAILAND declared a state of emergency in the capital yesterday after protesters stormed the grounds of parliament, forcing government ministers to flee by helicopter and raising pressure for snap elections.

The red-shirted supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra retreated from parliament, but tens of thousands remain in Bangkok’s main shopping district, refusing orders to leave until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves parliament. The “red shirts” responded to the decree with defiance, exhorting followers in rural provinces to mass at city halls.

“We will declare war,” said Arisman Pongruangrong, a “red shirt” leader. “No more negotiations.”