North Korea on Friday threatened a "physical response" to Washington’s plans for joint military drills with South Korea.

Thai anti-government protesters agreed on Tuesday to talks brokered by lawmakers to end a crisis threatening to tear the country apart.

Thai troops battled anti-government protesters in central Bangkok on Friday, attempting to seal off their encampment.

The Thai military said it would cut off supplies on Wednesday to anti-government protesters camped out in downtown Bangkok.

Protesters pressed ahead with a rally in Bangkok on Tuesday, some expressing frustration that protests had failed to force elections.

More than 100 000 protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand’s government an ultimatum to call elections within 24 hours.