Bangkok Standoff

Violence broke out several times in the last days of November 2008, as political protests continued at Thailand's two main airports and the Government House in Bangkok. Dozens were injured and two killed in attacks on the protesters.New York Times: Thai Security Forces Clash With Protesters at Airport (November 29, 2008)

Tens of thousands of tourists were stranded as Songhi Limthongkul, leader of the opposition party, thousands of protesters and the military occupied the two airports. The party demands the resignation of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. On November 26, 2008, Wongsawat refused to dissolve parliament and step down.Los Angeles Times: Riot police surround Bangkok airports (November 29, 2008) Spain plans to send three planes to Thailand on the afternoon of November 30, 2008, to rescue those stranded.Sky News: Thailand: Protesters Ordered Out

Demonstrations at the airports and government house are led by the opposition party to the government, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). In 2006, they successfully overthrew Wongsawat's predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra, and accused Wongsawat of being a puppet for the ousted Shinawatra.Guardian: Grenade blast hits Thai government house in Bangkok (November 29, 2008)

Grenade attacks injured four protesters and killed two at the Bangkok Airport on November 26, 2008; 46 protesters were injured from grenade blasts at Government House on November 28, 2008. Riot police surrounded Bangkok International Airport and the domestic Don Muang airport on November 29, 2008, after clashes with protesters threatened to escalate.Guardian: Grenade blast hits Thai government house in Bangkok (November 29, 2008)

The participation of the Thai military has aroused fears of a military coup, should the situation not be eased soon.Guardian: Grenade blast hits Thai government house in Bangkok (November 29, 2008)