Scuffles break out as Thai police try to evict activists

Bangkok: Thai riot police scuffled with demonstrators barricaded inside the prime minister's compound yesterday as they delivered an eviction order against the group seeking to oust the government.

Armed with batons and shields, police posted the court order on lampposts and the iron gates of the compound, scene of a four-day occupation by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) that has sparked fears of major violence and rattled investors.

Police briefly detained at least 15 protesters and took up positions around the PAD-controlled area, but they did not move to evict the 4,000-strong crowd inside.

Police spokesman Surapol Thuanthong told reporters they only intended to help court officials deliver the eviction order.

"We are trying to deal with the protesters as gently as possible. We are persuading them to leave the compound and will not do anything to those who follow the court order," he said.

The PAD, whose 2005 protests against then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra contributed to his removal in a coup a year later, urged more supporters to gather at the compound until the current elected administration fell.

Cheering crowd

"Move in and circle around me. We can't let them seize our stage too easily," retired general and PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang told the cheering crowd from atop the rock concert-like platform that now sits on the Prime Minister's front lawn.

Nine PAD leaders have been charged with insurrection, a crime that can carry the death penalty, after violent raids on government offices and a state TV station on Monday, which some newspapers criticised for going too far.

The motley group of businessmen, academics and activists launched the street campaign on May 25, accusing Samak's coalition government of being an illegitimate proxy of Thaksin, now in exile in London.

The PAD also proclaims itself to be a defender of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej against a supposed Thaksin plan to turn Thailand into a republic - a charge vehemently denied by both Thaksin and the government.

The group have barricaded themselves in the 4.4 hectares compound behind razor wire and car tyres, with sentries armed with bars and golf clubs and a mix of gasoline and shampoo poured across the road, turning it into an ice-rink.

At the barricades, PAD supporters held aloft pictures of King Bhumibol, shouting "We love the King. We love Thailand". Inside the compound, thousands sat on plastic sheeting, clapping and cheering speeches by the group's leaders.

Riot police

Thailand's stock market turned lower after the riot police moved in, losing 1 per cent by mid-afternoon on a day when most regional bourses were higher.

Thai shares have fallen 23 per cent since the street campaign began in May amid fears of everything from policy paralysis at a time of stuttering economic growth to bloodshed on the streets. Analysts said the standoff was likely to drag on as the government was clearly avoiding a violent confrontation that could prompt the military to intervene. Army commanders have pledged to stay in their barracks for now, but Samak faced new pressure as protesters blockaded two airports in the south and state rail workers began a strike that halted 15 percent of services nationwide, a spokesman said.

"They have sat down to stop vehicles moving in and out of the Phuket airport," said Lieutenant General Tani Twidsi, head of the southern police.