In pictures: Thailand's breaking point

Six months of protests in Thailand have brought the "Land of Smiles" to the brink of war between pro- and anti-government protesters.

On Tuesday night, thousands of protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) shut down Bangkok's main Suvarnabhumi airport in their bid to topple the elected government.

PAD supporters later also forced the domestic airport to close in a bid to stop a cabinet meeting. The group accuses the government of corruption and nepotism.

A fundamental urban-rural divide lies near the heart of the conflict, with pro-government rural masses placated by Thaksin-era cheap health care and rural credit programmes.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has vowed not to quit despite protesters' demands. The army chief says he will not launch a coup, mindful of strong support for Mr Somchai.

Instead Gen Anupong Paochinda has laid out a compromise plan, telling the government to call an election and PAD protesters to stop their campaign. Both sides have rejected the suggestion.

In previous crises, Thailand has looked to its king, but this time the 80-year-old monarch appears too frail to help resolve the political deadlock.

There are rumours of a putsch happening against the will of Gen Paochinda, a far from outlandish idea in a country that has had 18 coups or attempted coups in 76 years of on-off democracy.