Thailand's army commander has told the country's elected government that it should step down and call a snap election to resolve a deepening political crisis.
General Anupong Paochinda insisted that the military was not staging a coup. He also ordered anti-government protesters to leave Bangkok's international airport and end their campaign against Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
General Anupong made his announcement Wednesday at a news conference following a meeting of military and business leaders in the capital.
It was not immediately clear how protesters would respond.
Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy have taken over Thailand's main international airport as well as its control tower in a bid to get more information on the flight plans for Mr. Somchai.
Mr. Somchai was scheduled to arrive later Wednesday at Suvarnabhumi international airport, after attending an international summit in South America.
The blockade of the airport is part of what protesters say is their "final push" to force the prime minister to step down.
The protest has stranded thousands of travelers at the airport.
The blockade of Thailand's main airport could damage the country's already fragile tourism industry. Wednesday, Singapore urged its citizens not to visit Thailand due to the uncertain political situation. And the United States, Britain and Australia have urged their citizens to take extra precautions if they planned to make the trip.
Protests in Thailand intensified on Monday when opposition supporters forced parliament to delay a session by blocking access to the building.
Protesters accuse Mr. Somchai of being a proxy for Thaksin Shinawatra, his brother-in-law, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 for alleged corruption.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. By VOA News.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
