Thai PM imposes emergency to clear seized airports

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency around the capital's two main airports, which would allow security forces to oust thousands of anti-government protesters from the terminals.

Somchai accused the protesters of "holding the country hostage and the public hostage."

"I do not have any intention to hurt any members of the public," he added, though the imposition of the measures raised the possibility that violent clashes could break out as authorities moved on Suvarnabhumi international airport and the city's older, smaller Don Muang airport.

The declaration, which applies only to the two terminals, empowers the government to suspend some civil liberties, including restricting the movement of people and prohibiting mass assembly in certain locations.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, which has been demanding the resignation of Somchai and his government, seized control of Suvarnabhumi international airport on Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of all flights in and out of the capital and sending thousands of tourists to hole up in Bangkok hotels.

The standoff, which began three months ago when the group occupied the prime minister's office compound, has paralyzed the government, battered the stock market, spooked foreign investors and dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry.

Some Thai economists have estimated that tourism losses alone in the remainder of this year could run to 150 billion baht ($4.2 billion), equal to 1.5 percent of gross domestic product.

Government Spokesman Nattawut Sai-kua earlier called the seizure of the airports "a terrorist act."

"The prime minister says we have to use peaceful means," he said. "(Security officials) will negotiate first and we will go step by step, adhering to international standard and the law."

Somchai said navy personnel would help police in clearing Suvarnabhumi international airport. The air force will assist at Don Muang. He did not say when the authorities would act.

Amid the standoff, coup rumors swirled around the capital after Thailand's powerful army commander Gen. Anupong Paochinda suggested Wednesday that Somchai call new elections, and the prime minister rejected the idea. The rumors were further fueled by press reports of tank movements that the military later said were only a training exercise.

"The government is asking all troops to remain in position and not to move anywhere in order to quell a rumor" of a coup, said Nattawut. "We ask the public not to panic or to worry about the situation."

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