Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is facing yet more pressure to resign. The commander of the Thai army, Anupong Paojinda, who has backed Mr Abhisit so far, is now calling for early elections.

The commander argues that force should not be used to effect a breakthrough in the country’s political impasse and says a political solution must be found.

Another blow for Mr Abhisit is the call by Thailand’s electoral commission for his political party to be dissolved. This follows allegations that it received illegal donations.

Supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have been holding anti-government demonstrations for weeks on end. On Saturday, they clashed with riot police for the first time. At least 21 people were killed in the violence.