The senate are now getting more involved.
The Senate are largely made up of the military/bureaucratic elite:
Quote:
Senate in urgent debate as tension heightens
By Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
The Senate on Friday interrupted its normal session and went into an urgent debate after hearing police's clashes with anti-government protesters brought political tension to new heights.
ASTV, the cable TV station belonging to the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, repeatedly replayed incidents at the Makkawan Bridge. Footages of scuffles and some protesters being assaulted, as well as blood-stained clothes were shown to home audience as protest leaders encamping inside Government House urged more people to join their protest.
ASTV repleatedly ran traffic advices on how to get to Government House.
Tension, which decreased on Thursday after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej vowed a non-violent approach, rose again Friday. PAD sympathisers were making phone calls to friends, colleagues and relatives, some discussing plans to join the Government House sit-in.
There have been no reports of serious injuries from the Makkawan Bridge incidents. Nonetheless, what happened there was thought to be backfiring against the government as the PAD sought to bounce back from a major set-back to its image.
On Tuesday, PAD hardline members stormed the government-owned NBT station, briefly controlling it and terrifying news staffs. The invaders left the facility at least but the incident was a major blow to the movement's reputation.
The Senate cut short its routine session and started a debate on the political tension. Many senators called for their colleagues to travel to the protest site in order to ensure there was no violence erupted.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is consulting with Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet to convent a House-Senate session to debate the issue.
Policemen in full riot gears moved into the back of Government House to post the eviction order and removed protesters on the grounds.
They also cleared the protest site at Makawan Rangsan Bridge which the People's Alliance for Democracy vacated earlier in the morning to move to Government House.
Police have gained control of the bridge, Rajadamnoen Nok Avenue and the Mitsakawan intersection.
The PAD-led rally on the lawn in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building at the frontal of Government House continued Friday without interruption.
The Nation
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