(NSI News Source Info) April 13, 2009: Thai soldiers have fired tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters blocking a road in Bangkok, where a state of emergency is in force.
In a midnight speech to the Thai cabinet, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called on people to respect the rule of law. 
A supporter of ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wave a national flag at riot troops guarding a road in Bangkok April 13, 2009. The Thai army cracked down on anti-government protesters on Monday, firing warning shots at a major junction in the capital at demonstrators who responded by hurling petrol bombs.
But officials now say at least 49 people have been injured.
Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, was one of the leaders hoping that the East Asia Summit would produce real results. 
An anti-government demonstrator sets a fire near downtown Monday, April 13, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency shutting down rail service as soldiers continue to battle anti-government demonstrators.
Kevin Rudd, like many of the regions leaders, was caught out by the events in Thailand which led to the abrubt cancellation of the planned East Asia summit.
Mr Rudd was on a government plane travelling to Thailand when the decision was made to cancel the summit, and Mr Rudd's plane turned around and came back to Australia.
For the Australian prime minister it is a lost opportunity on a number of issues he wished to pursue with other leaders of the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment