BANGKOK - THOUSANDS of protesters have shut down Thailand's main airports in their latest push to topple an elected government they accuse of corruption and hostility to the monarchy.
Supporters of the so-called People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) launched their campaign in late May to oust the government, and have escalated their protests aimed at forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
They accuse his government of running the country on behalf of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who the PAD helped topple in a 2006 coup. He lives abroad, but the PAD were furious when his allies won elections last December.
Here are the key events of the past week:
Sunday, November 23: The PAD launches what it calls its 'final battle' against the government to avenge the death of two protesters in grenade attacks at the prime minister's offices, which they occupied in late August.
Monday, November 24: Up to 18,000 PAD supporters surround parliament and force the postponement of a key session, and then head to the old Don Mueang airport which Mr Somchai has used as a base since the Government House seizure.
Tuesday, November 25: As night falls, thousands of PAD supporters leave the Don Mueang cabinet offices and storm into Suvarnabhumi Airport, forcing the major global hub to suspend services at about 9 pm (10 pm Singapore time).
Wednesday, November 26:About 7,000 travellers are evacuated from Suvarnabhumi, and protesters later move to the main terminal of Don Mueang to prevent cabinet ministers flying north to meet the premier.
Powerful army chief Anupong Paojinda urges Mr Somchai to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections.
Mr Somchai returns from a foreign trip but is forced to land in the northern city of Chiang Mai because of the blockade.
Thursday, November 27:Operations are halted at Don Mueang just after midnight, paralysing all air travel to and from the capital. Rumours of a coup circulate, and the premier declares a state of emergency at the two airports.
Friday, November 28: Protesters vow to 'fight to the death' and Somchai dismisses the national police chief as no action is taken to remove the protesters. The army also refuses the role of enforcer.
Sunday, November 30: A grenade attack at the occupied Government House office injures 49 people, and as night falls up to 15,000 pro-government supporters rally in downtown Bangkok to oppose any coup.
Monday, December 1: PAD supporters vacate Government House after their three-month sit-in, saying the grenade attacks make it too dangerous.
Protesters are told to head to the two occupied airports.
Tuesday, December 2: Hundreds of government supporters rally outside the Constitutional Court ahead of closing arguments on the dissolution of the ruling party for vote fraud, forcing the hearing to locate to another court.
A grenade attack on Don Mueang kills one protester and wounds 22 others.
-- AP