Samak had not give a timeframe for the enforcement of emergency decree, but he said it will only be for a short time before the situation get controlled. He also assured that people's normal living and working would not be greatly affected.

After the state of emergency was declared, the DAAD immediately said that they would follow the law and dispersed its rally at Sanam Luang (Royal Field) in central Bangkok, where they have assembled since Saturday to confront with PAD protest.

However, the PAD remained defiant and vowed to carry on their protest despite that its nine leaders faced arrest warrants.

By evening, more people have joined the PAD protest at an around the Government House compound. In southern provinces Songkhla, Phuket and Surat Thani, airports and government institutions were stormed by PAD supporters in response to the emergency decree. The Hat Yai international airport in Songkhla province was forced to shut down again after blocked by PAD protesters.

Imposing a state of emergency was deemed a last resort on the government side as laws allow it to do, as the prime minister has ruled out a resignation of his own -- as the PAD demanded and a House dissolution.

However, with the defiance of PAD and the military's soft approach, a quick solution to the political impasse seemed out of easy reach.

An urgent parliament session jointly attended by the Senate and the House of Representatives was held on Sunday, aiming at sorting out a peaceful solution for the political turmoil, but turned out a blame game on each side.

Adding to the government's pressure, the Election Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to seek the dissolution of the core ruling party People Power Party (PPP) with the Constitution Court.

The EC based its resolution on the vote-buying conviction against PPP's former deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat, who resigned as House Speaker this April and later in early July got stripped of his seat in the House of Representatives after convicted by the Supreme Court.

Some observers said the government now was left with no other options but either to dissolve the House, call an early election or to resign in order to quell the unrest that has spread to other provinces.

On Tuesday, more than 300 academics and educators from various institutes issued a joint statement to call for a House dissolution.

The political turmoil has shown impacts on the country's business, tourism and diplomatic image.

Several countries including Singapore, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have warned or cautioned their citizens of security concern about travelling in Thailand.