Somchai “flees” Parliament amid protests

SINGAPORE: Anti-government protesters were tear-gassed in Bangkok on Tuesday, even as Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat “escaped” from Parliament and his Deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned. The military-linked Mr. Chavalit, in charge of security affairs, cited his responsibility for the turn of events.
Over 100 persons, mostly protesters and a few security officials, were reported injured. An anti-government activist was killed, apparently in a “vehicle blast,” according to opposition sources.
Trouble broke out after the protagonists of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government umbrella group, sought to blockade Parliament, where Mr. Somchai was making a policy speech.