Bangkok:
Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday escaped an attack by anti-government protesters who defied restrictions and attacked his convoy, hours after he declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and deployed tanks and armoured vehicles on streets.
Armoured vehicles were seen moving in the streets of Bangkok, but a military official said that this was not a sign of imminent coup but a measure to build up security.
The government declared a state of emergency in the capital and six neighbouring provinces after thousands of red-shirted protesters demanding the Premier's resignation on Saturday surrounded an ASEAN summit venue leading to its cancellation.
India's Kamal Nath and several other leaders had to be lifted out of the venue to safety with the help of helicopters.
"The government has tried all along to avoid violence but the protest has developed and they have used actions incompatible with the constitution," Abhisit said in a televised speech on Sunday.
"Now the government is unable to avoid this state of emergency," he said as the government deployed tanks and armoured military vehicles at 50 key locations in the capital.
Reports say pitched street battle took place between protesters loyal to ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding the resignation of Abhisit and security forces.
Armoured vehicles were seen moving in the streets of Bangkok, but a military official said that this was not a sign of imminent coup but a measure to build up security.
The government declared a state of emergency in the capital and six neighbouring provinces after thousands of red-shirted protesters demanding the Premier's resignation on Saturday surrounded an ASEAN summit venue leading to its cancellation.
India's Kamal Nath and several other leaders had to be lifted out of the venue to safety with the help of helicopters.
"The government has tried all along to avoid violence but the protest has developed and they have used actions incompatible with the constitution," Abhisit said in a televised speech on Sunday.
"Now the government is unable to avoid this state of emergency," he said as the government deployed tanks and armoured military vehicles at 50 key locations in the capital.
Reports say pitched street battle took place between protesters loyal to ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding the resignation of Abhisit and security forces.
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