Thailand’s political crisis worsen this morning as violent clashes between pro-government supporters and anti-government protesters in Bangkok prompted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to declare a state of emergency in the city. Overnight street-fighting left 1 dead and dozens others injured.

The declaration empowered the military to intervene and restore order with the assistance of police. The emergency rule also:

• Bans gatherings of more than five people in Bangkok.
• Bars the media from disseminating any news that “causes panic, instigates violence or affects stability.”
• Allows security officials to close or block roads or deny citizens the right to use vehicles.
• Allows security forces to evacuate or close buildings and other areas as they see fit for maintaining public order.
• Under the constitution, emergency rule also allows security officials to hold suspects without charge for up to 30 days if they get permission from a court.

As if that wasn’t enough, later in the day, the Thai Election Commission also ruled that the governing People’s Power Party had committed electoral fraud and should be dissolved. The ruling will be forwarded to the public prosecutioner’s office for further action.