2009 Thai political unrest

A series of political demonstrations and following unrest occurred in Thailand from 26 March to 14 April 2009 in Bangkok and Pattaya against the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva and the military crackdown that followed.

The protests, led by the red-shirted National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), expanded to Pattaya, where the Fourth East Asia Summit was to be held.

Violent clashes broke out between the UDD and blue-shirted government supporters affiliated with Newin Chidchob, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party.

[4] The protesters broke into the hotel and forced the summit to be cancelled, causing Abhisit to declare a state of emergency in both Pattaya and Chonburi on 11 April.

The mass protest began with 100,000 demonstrators, supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, were at Government House and the nearby Royal Plaza by the evening.

[5] Veera Musikapong, Jatuporn Prompan, Nattawut Saikua and Jakrapop Penkair leaders of the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) have bulletin "8 April: The Day for Fall of Aristocratic Polity" for Abhisit Vejjajiva resign from the Premiership and that Prem Tinsulanonda, Surayud Chulanont and Chanchai Likhitjittha resign from the Privy Council within 24 hours, otherwise it would announce raising the level of its anti-government protest.

On 04.45 p.m. UDD protesters marched from the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda to the Victory Monument, the city's largest traffic and transport hub, to join about hundred taxi drivers who parked their vehicles blocked roads around the area.

[6] The protests, led by the red-shirted National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) expanded to Pattaya, the site of an ASEAN summit.

Violent clashes occurred between the UDD and government supporters wearing dark blue T-shirts in the afternoon as the protesters were heading to the site of the summit.