/ 16 May 2010

Thailand to impose curfews

Thai authorities will impose a curfew in parts of the capital Bangkok after deadly street clashes between troops and anti-government protesters, an army spokesperson said on Sunday.

“There will be a curfew announcement in some necessary areas and roads in Bangkok so that police and soldiers can differentiate people from terrorists,” Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters.

He said that details would be decided later in the day.

Watch our April slideshow for photographs and an audio summary of the Thailand protests. The capital has ground to a halt as red shirt protesters continue to demand the removal of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva from power, protests which have led to outbreaks of violence.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday his government was considering imposing a curfew in Bangkok following three days of fighting as the army attempts to isolate a sprawling protest encampment.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of security during the protests, is discussing a possible curfew along with other measures during meetings with the military and other agencies.

“Deputy PM Suthep is discussing whether there is a need to announce the curfew under the circumstance,” Abhisit said in a televised statement. — Reuters and AFP