Thai Protesters Battle Riot Cops

Riot police clashed with protesters in Bangkok as demonstrations against the Thai government continued for a fourth day. Cops posted a court order evicting the People's Alliance for Democracy—a woolly coalition of monarchists, academics, and youth activists—from the lawn of the prime minister's office. Some protesters were detained, but police failed to oust some 4,000 demonstrators. Nine leaders have been charged with insurrection, a crime that carries the death penalty, reports Reuters.

The PAD has barricaded itself behind a wall of razor wire and car tires, and is further protected by golf club-wielding sentries. Outside of Bangkok, protesters blockaded two regional airports and rail workers went on strike, affecting services nationwide. Although Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is holding firm and the army has remained aloof from mounting tensions, many fear a military action like the 2006 coup that ousted Samak's predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra.
(More Thailand stories.)