Q&A: Protests in Thailand

Who are the protesters in Bangkok?

The People's Alliance for Democracy is a loose coalition of conservative forces that want an end to democracy. Its protests, which can mobilize tens of thousands of people, set the stage for the military coup that ousted the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, in 2006. It claims that the current prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, who was elected last December, is a Thaksin proxy and accuses his government of corruption and vote-rigging. It has many supporters in the main transport and energy trade unions as well as the business community. Analysts say it represents the old elite, alarmed by the widespread rural support for Thaksin's populist policies.

What does the alliance stand for?

It argues that western-style elections have only led to corrupt and ineffective governments. It wants an appointed parliament, dominated by bureaucrats and the military. It also claims to be a guardian of the revered 80-year-old king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, against a supposed Thaksin campaign to turn Thailand into a republic, a charge denied by both Thaksin and the government.

Where is Thaksin?

After his party, Thai Rak Thai, was outlawed following the military coup, Thaksin went into exile in the UK and bought Manchester City football club. (His stake was sold this week to a group led by members the Abu Dhabi royal family.) Although banned from politics for five years, he returned in March after his political allies in the People's Power party set up a coalition government. In July, his wife, Pojaman Shinawatra, was sentenced to three years in jail for tax fraud and granted bail. Three weeks ago, after attending the Olympic opening in Beijing, he and his family fled back to the UK.

What are the charges against Thaksin?

Thaksin, his family and former political allies face allegations of abuse of power, concealing assets and tax evasion. Although the Thai authorities have frozen more than £1bn of the family's assets, he is still reportedly worth £200m.

The prime minister has declared a state of emergency. What does that mean?

The emergency allows the use of military force in policing activities, and suspends certain civil liberties. Security forces can block roads and deny citizens entry to public areas and detain people without charge for 30 days with court approval. But the army has said its soldiers will not carry firearms or use inappropriate force against the protesters occupying the government compound.