Thai capital in state of emergency

Thailand’s government has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas to cope with protests that have stirred up violent attacks.

Labour minister Chalerm Yubumrung said the measure will take effect tomorrow.

The emergency decree greatly expands the power of security forces to issue orders and search, arrest and detain people, with limited judicial and parliamentary oversight. The protesters have been demanding the resignation of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra

The state of emergency is due to continue for 60 days.

The protesters want Ms Yingluck to make way for an appointed government to implement reforms to fight corruption. She called elections on February 2 but the protesters are insisting they not be held.

The state of emergency follows increasing attacks at protest sites for which the government and protesters blame each other. These include grenades thrown in daylight and drive-by shootings. On Sunday, 28 people were wounded when two grenades were tossed at one of several protest sites set up at key Bangkok road junctions.

Another grenade attack on a protest march on Friday killed one man and wounded dozens. No arrests have been made in either attack.

Nine people have been killed and hundreds hurt in violence since the protests began in early November. The protesters escalated their tactics this month with a threat to “shut down” the capital to prevent the government from functioning.