The head of Thailand’s powerful army has called for new elections after thousands of anti-government protesters shut down Bangkok’s main airport, stranding thousands of travelers. Thai Army chief Anupong Paochinda urged the government today to dissolve parliament and called for new elections to end the political crisis.

Anupong Paochinda: “This is not a pressure that we are putting upon the government, but we are suggesting that the government should let the people have another chance to make a decision on the future of their country in a new election.”

Protesters from the People’s Alliance for Democracy have intensified their efforts to topple the government in recent days. On Monday, demonstrators forced Thailand’s parliament to shut down. On Tuesday, the protesters took control of the airport, the eighteenth largest airport in the world.

Chaiwat Sinthuwong: “We don’t only stop the government from doing their illegitimate works. We are doing other things to put more pressure on the government and campaigning to get more consensus from Thai people that it is time for this government to leave.”