Bangkok Under Siege

(Bangkok, Thailand) Throughout past months, supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have campaigned to topple the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat by paralyzing all functions.

Government House offices in central Bangkok were seized in August. Just recently, two airports, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the Don Mueang Airport, were shut down, stranding thousands of tourists and business travelers.

The PAD launched their campaign to topple the democratically-elected government six months ago, accusing it of being a puppet of ousted and exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- Somchai's brother-in-law.

The group has the backing of elements in the palace, military and Bangkok's old elite that want to purge society of the influence of Thaksin, who is adored by the rural poor but remains in exile to avoid a jail term for corruption.

As both sides refuse to back down, concerns deepened for the kingdom's economy, vital tourism industry and diplomatic ties.

"Several countries are seriously concerned with the incidents happening in our country now -- there is no rule of law," foreign minister Sompong Amornviwat told AFP by telephone from Germany.

Outbursts of violence have occurred and it's feared they may escalate.