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Government's Foes Grow Bolder

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

BANGKOK - Protesters swarmed Thailand's main international airport Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of departing flights just hours after their comrades opened fire on government supporters in a clash on the streets of the capital.

It was the boldest move yet by the People's Alliance for Democracy in a monthslong campaign to topple Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, whom it accuses of being the puppet of a disgraced fugitive predecessor, billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra.

Tuesday's events saw for the first time the open use of guns by the alliance's so-called guards and the entanglement of foreigners - the thousands of tourists trapped at the international airport.

The protesters appeared intent on forcing the military to intervene and bring down the elected regime. Army commander Gen. Anupong Paochinda has repeatedly ruled out a coup, though he has also said the army "will keep peace and order to protect the public and uphold important institutions like the monarchy."

The alliance has staged a number of dramatic actions in recent months. It took over the prime minister's office in late August and twice blockaded Parliament - one time setting off street battles with police that ended with two people dead and hundreds injured.

On Tuesday, the group also blocked the government's temporary headquarters at a domestic airport north of the city. The operations were moved there after the prime minister's office was occupied.

The Associated Press

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