PAD overcomes police and won't move 'until PM Samak and government resign'; state of emergency may be declared soon

All eyes are on how PM Samak Sundaravej responds to the People's Alliance for Democracy's successful siege of Government House yesterday.

Samak has not been seen since he met urgently with Army commander-in-chief General Anupong Paojinda, regional commander Lt-General Prayuth Chanorcha and national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan at the Army Club about 3pm.

Samak is believed to have signed a state-of-emergency order that's yet to be declared.

A source in the People Power Party (PPP) said Thaksin had pressured Samak to quit because he was the "problem" of the ongoing protest. PPP ministers Somchai Wongsawat and Surapong Suebwonglee were the favourite candidates to succeed Samak.

A military source said the Army would leave Samak to decide on what he should do best in the situation.

Later in the evening, Samak suffered another severe political blow when Parliament formally accepted the opposition's censure motion, practically preventing him from seeking a "graceful" way-out through a House dissolution.

Democrats condemn

The Democrat's censure motion, which was submitted to Parliamentary authorities earlier this week, was formally put on the House of Representatives' agenda, ending all doubts about the validity of the motion.

Police estimate 25,000 PAD protesters are at Government House, calling for Samak and his government to resign.

Samak refused to speak with reporters all yesterday. He was expected to address the nation about the crisis on television last night. That was cancelled.

The PAD succeeded in surrounding the House, with little resistance from the police and its security

Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD core leader, vows to remain outside until Samak quits. He says Samak is a "nominee" of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Police and House security made little effort to stop protestors from surrounding the compound.

They warned that tear-gas and rubber bullets could be used to disperse crowds. In they end, they did nothing.

The PAD quickly set up a new stage from which to launch its rally. It has moved from Makkhawan Bridge, where it had been camped since May 25.

The group is now speaking from stages at the Nang Lueng Intersection and Chamai Mayurachet Bridge.

Leader goes missing

Samak was away from his office most of yesterday and not present when the protesters broke past police barriers.

The PM arrived at the Foreign Ministry at about 9am to chair a meeting of state agencies organising the next Asean summit.

Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party "war room" accuses the PAD of trying to incite bloodshed, with an ultimate goal of encouraging a military coup.

Jatuporn Phromphan, the party's deputy spokesman, says alliance leaders moved the rally in a bid to force the government to employ force.

PAD leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong says it will "stay here until we win".

"Perhaps [Samak] will resign tomorrow," says Porntip Saksrisanong, a 50-year-old food-seller from Bangkok. "I'm not worried about a violent crackdown, because this is an elected government."