Thai PM sacks police chief for mishandling of political crisis

Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Friday sacked his national police chief for mishandling the latest escalation in a six-month old political crisis that has seen protesters blockade Bangkok's airports.

Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan's transfer to an inactive post capped a week of high drama that saw police melt away as protesters invaded one of Asia's biggest airports.

"The removal was the result of his performance during this current crisis," government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar said a day after Somchai declared a state of emergency to end the sieges, already costing tens of millions of dollars in export delays.