Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) — Thailand on Sunday expanded a state of emergency to more provinces as fears of unrest appeared to grow following a violent weekend of clashes in Bangkok that has left at least 25 people dead.
The state of emergency was extended to five more provinces, bringing the total to 22 provinces and the Thai capital. The regions affected are primarily in the north and northeast of Thailand, areas traditionally a stronghold for the “Red Shirt” opposition movement.
Additionally, the Thai government declared holidays on Monday and Tuesday in the Bangkok area.
The moves came as anti-government protesters in Thailand said they were ready to resume negotiations if Thai authorities withdraw troops waging deadly street battles with demonstrators in the center of Bangkok.
Natthawut Saikua, a leader in the opposition United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), said the protesters wanted U.N.-mediated talks aimed at resolving weeks of political unrest which has seen thousands of so-called “Red Shirts” occupy an area of central Bangkok.
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