Thai PM's car attacked as tension grows

Mr Abhisit's car was attacked by around 50 people when it stopped at traffic lights in Pattaya Photo: AFP/GETTY

Telegraph.co.uk
By Thomas Bell in Phnom Penh
07 Apr 2009

The window of a car carrying the Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was smashed by protesters as tensions built ahead of an opposition rally.

Mr Abhisit's car was attacked by around 50 people when it stopped at traffic lights in Pattaya, 90 miles from Bangkok. After returning to the capital the 44-year-old British born leader assured reporters: "It's OK.

It did not scare me. I can still perform my work."

The Thai opposition will hold a demonstration on Wednesday claiming the government was brought to power by a conspiracy of powerful conservatives in the military, the judiciary and the royal privy council.

It has billed the protest as a "people's revolution" and claim 300,000 redshirted supporters will march.

In an attempt to appear in control, Mr Abhisit gave a 15 minute television address saying: "We cannot allow a civil war or a people's revolution. If the situation leads to a riot, the government cannot stand still."

It came as neighbouring Cambodia claimed the Thai military was attempting to distract attention from domestic problems by escalating a border dispute.

It said the Thai army had brought new artillery and tanks to the edge of a disputed area near the ancient temple of Preah Vihear.

Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Cambodian Council of Ministers, said: "They should not take us hostage to solve a political problem back home. It's a show of muscle to confuse Thai people."

"We picked up a radio communication that they are prepared to launch an attack."

In response, Thailand accused Cambodia of secretly supporting opposition leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Thai foreign minister Kasit Piromya warned that if Mr Thaksin was in Cambodia, relations between the countries would suffer.