BANGKOK- Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency on Thursday at Bangkok's two main airports, which are under siege by anti-government supporters.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Thirachai Sankaew told Reuters police would be in charge of any operations to remove the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters, even though emergency rule gives the army legal authority to act.

Thirachai did not say if or when action would be taken.

Somchai's predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, declared a state of emergency on September 2 to end the PAD's occupation of Government House, although the army failed to heed the order and did nothing. The PAD supporters remain there to this day.

The order was rescinded after two weeks.

Following are the basics of Thai states of emergency:

-- Public gatherings are banned in areas and roads declared restricted or off-limits by state officials.

-- People can be barred from entering areas or buildings declared off-limits by the government.

-- Newspapers and other media deemed to be publishing information provoking the situation can be banned throughout the country.

-- The army commander-in-chief has the authority normally bestowed on the police to control public order.