Bangkok: Defiant anti-government protesters have vowed to stage a mass rally in the Thai capital on Friday despite a state of emergency that empowers the military to move against public gatherings of more than five people.
The country`s beleaguered prime minister declared the state of emergency on Wednesday night to quell weeks of protests that have paralysed the government and cost businesses tens of millions of dollars.
Jatuporn Prompan, a Red Shirt leader, on Thursday dared the government to disperse protesters.
The move by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came after mostly peaceful protests turned chaotic when demonstrators burst into Parliament and forced lawmakers to flee on ladders over a back wall, with senior officials hastily evacuated by helicopter.
Bureau Report