CHEN:
Tensions continue in the Thai capital between police and protesters around the government compound. Police are now telling activists that they must leave immediately. Here’s more.
STORY:
This compound is occupied by the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD, which is a group seeking to oust the government. They’ve been protesting here for several days.
But today police delivered their eviction orders, telling PAD members to leave. Armed with batons and shields they posted the court order on lampposts and iron gates.
At least 15 protesters were briefly held but nothing more was done to move out the other 4,000-strong crowd. Witnesses say teargas was fired but police are denying the charge.
The PAD is urging its supporters to stay at the compound.
[Sondhi Limthongkui, PAD Member]:
“Every time we find out about the information, that the police will be here and disperse us, it is genuine information. But for the fact that we are well prepared. And the police have planted their own people in here too. They have their own sources in our mass movement. So once they know that we are ready for them, they normally cancel plan.”
Nine PAD leaders have been charged with insurrection, a crime that can carry the death penalty.
The four-day stand off has rattled investors as Thailand’s stock market dropped when the riot police moved in. Analysts say the standoff is likely to drag on as long as the government avoids a violent confrontation.
