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The clash was expected as thousands of PAD protesters marched to block Parliament building on Monday night after the arrest of two key PAD leaders, Chaiwat Sinsuwong and Chamlong Srimuang. The arrests effectively ended the reconciliation effort spearheaded by General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the deputy prime minister in charge of security. Chavalit resigned yesterday after the clash.

Several news programmes managed to broadcast live pictures from in front of Parliament as the police fired tear gas at the protesters.

The PAD leaders on Monday asked protesters to be fully alert for a possible clash but they expected the police to attempt to disperse the crowd at 3am or 4am. When the police did not act at that time, the PAD reduced the number of its guards and the police moved in at 6.20am yesterday. Live pictures showed injured people, including two with severed feet, leaving doubts whether tear gas alone would have caused such damage.

But the incident could not prevent Somchai from making his policy statement. Article 176 of the Constitution states that the Cabinet is required to make a policy statement within 15 days of being sworn in by His Majesty the King unless there are urgent extenuating circumstances that prevent it from doing so.

By 9am PAD protesters had extended their turf around Government House and were guiding commuters to alternative routes. One group of protesters gathered at Pichai intersection to jeer legislators who were trying to get into Parliament to attend a House session. Elementary schools in the area announced early closures in the morning. Suan Dusit Rajabhat University remained open, however, as this is examination week.

Public opinion on the incident is divided. "Moo Noi", a blogger on www.nationmultimedia.com, The Nation's Web board, supported Somchai's decision: "Thailand may finally have a PM with a backbone. Somchai did exactly the right thing: he sent in the police to move the protesters. The PAD is no longer protesting; it is purposefully disrupting the governmental system and the country. Having an ex-judge as PM may have its benefits because he knows the law and knows how to make hard decisions. I really commend him for his action. That took courage, knowing the media would have a field day because of it."

Myapm74 wrote: "When Mr Somchai was chosen as prime minister, many of my friends commented on his soft and compromising nature, that everything would return to normal. At that time I made an opposite remark, that former prime minister Samak may look hard and uncompromising, but at least he is straight forward and not fussy; however, Somchai is a smiling tiger. Today, we see the smiling tiger bite."

Eric said: "The PAD has been pushing the envelope too far and must be held responsible for its actions and the consequences."

Don Aleman noted: "Whew! Good to see that the Thai police used a soft approach to disperse the gathering - only one lost leg and one lost foot, so far!"