Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Thailand: Clashes Between Protesters and Prime Minister's Motorcade

Anti-government protesters have attacked a car carrying Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, shattering the windows but leaving the leader unhurt. The incident occurred on a day before an opposition rally, sparking concerns of "civil war" in Thailand. The protesters, supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have called for tens of thousands to rally in Bangkok, demanding Abhisit's resignation and dissolution of parliament. The government has warned that violence will not be tolerated, and authorities have ordered police to arrest the assailants.

Key Takeaways:

• A group of about two dozen protesters attacked Abhisit's motorcade in Pattaya, shattering windows and causing damage to the car.
• The protesters used "hard objects" to hit, kick, and bang the car before the motorcade drove away.
• Abhisit had been meeting his cabinet in a hotel in Pattaya to avoid protesters blocking government house in the capital.
• The government has ordered police to arrest the assailants, and Abhisit has stated that he can still work normally despite the attack.
• The opposition rally, led by the "Red Shirts", demands the resignation of Abhisit, dissolution of parliament, and fresh elections.
• The government has warned that violence will not be tolerated and that the protests will not disrupt an upcoming summit in Pattaya attended by ASEAN and regional leaders.

Statistics:

• 2 dozen protesters converged on Abhisit's motorcade in Pattaya.
• 150km is the distance between Pattaya and the capital Bangkok where the government house is blocked by protesters.
• 2006 is the year Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister.
• 10s of thousands of protesters are expected to rally in Bangkok according to the Red Shirts demonstration.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• Aljazeera.net
• Syndigate.info
• Albawaba.com