PM vows full investigation into fatal clashes

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravek vowed to full investigation into the fatal clashes near the Government House and take legal action against those behind the incidents.

Samak said he had no choice but to declare state of emergency in Bangkok to control the situation which put the country under tension.

"I decide to put Bangkok under state of emergency for what happened this morning. This is the most lenient measure we can do at the moment because people in other provinces did not get involved in the incident," Samak said at a press conference held at the Thai Supreme Command headquarter.

He felt upset that he had to impose the emergency state in Bangkok because it should have been the last resort to deal with the ongoing political tensions in the country.

"I feel bad that the country has come to this level despite the fact that all authorities have done their best to keep the situation under control," he said.

He said people could continue their lives as usual. A committee which is chaired by Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda will handle the situation and enforce the state of emergency.

He insisted that the decision to announce the state of emergency has been made carefully and with consults of all authorities concerned.

He said he already viewed footages, video clips, and documents concerning the clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters which killed a man and injured dozens.

"The footages and documents clearly showed that who is who and what they did, from both sides," he said.

Apparently criticizing leaders of People's Alliance for Democracy who led protesters in the Government House, he said why those who are in charge of the unlawful acts were not blamed for the clashes.

"Many people criticized me of imposing the state of emergency for my own benefits. Those people can do everything to topple me. Why they are not blamed," he said.