Thais take to the streets

A government supporter throwing rocks at demonstrators. In the wake of the clashes, the Thai Army chief condemned the violence and vowed that the military would not use force against civilians.
Adrees Latif/Reuters



An antigovernment demonstrator kicked a government supporter Sept. 2, 2008.
Kerek Wongsa/Reuters





Days later, pro-government demonstrators, wearing red, joined the mix. They shouted slogans at a rally outside Parliament on Sunday, Aug. 31, above.
Vincent Yu/The Associated Press



As the tension mounted Friday, Aug. 29, the Thai police used tear gas on crowds of antigovernment protesters occupying the prime minister's office. The move sparked scuffles that left several people with minor injuries.
Wason Wanichakorn/The Associated Press



The antigovernment group pushes past police barricades near the Royal Plaza on Friday, Aug. 29. An alliance of middle class Thais and supporters of the monarchy, the group wears yellow, the color of the king.
David Longstreath


The violence comes more than a week after an antigovernment group called the People's Alliance for Democracy stormed the gates of Government House in Bangkok. On Aug. 26, several several thousand people, demanding Samak's resignation, camped on the lawn.
Sakchai Lalit/The Associated Press

Thai military police officers standing watch early Tuesday. The emergency decree empowers the army to restore order with the assistance of the police.
Ed Wray/The Associated Press




Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej during a news conference on the emergency decree. The order bans gatherings, meetings or any activities that might disturb public order.
The Associated Press



Antigovernment campaigners dragged an injured government supporter through Bangkok. The fighting left one man dead and dozens injured, prompting the Thai prime the streets of minister, Samak Sundaravej, to declare a state of emergency.
Sakchai Lalit/The Associated Press


A government supporter pointed a slingshot at antigovernment demonstrators Tuesday. The violence escalated a confrontation between the government and protesters, who, in an effort to bring about the prime minister's resignation, have occupied the grounds of his office for more than a week.
Wason Wanichakorn/The Associated Press