In pictures: Protests in Pattaya

A summit meeting of South East Asian leaders in Thailand has been cancelled after anti-government protesters stormed the summit venue in the resort of Pattaya.

Protesters managed to push their way into the conference centre, despite a heavy police presence.

Delegates were evacuated by helicopter due to security concerns after the Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, declared a state of emergency.

The red-shirted protesters - supporters of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra - have been demanding the resignation of Mr Abhisit and other senior Thai officials perceived as hostile to Mr Thaksin.

Meanwhile, pro-government protesters took to the streets to show their opposition to the Thakin supporters, as months of political turmoil in Thailand showed no sign of letting up.

The BBC correspondent in Thailand says that the failure of security forces to hold back protesters is a humiliation for the government and highlights deep divisions in Thai society.