Thai PM: Emergency powers to stay in place

Thailand's prime minister told on Friday he will not lift a state of emergency until he is convinced anti-government protests that flared into deadly clashes this week would not return to the capital.Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who imposed the state of emergency on Bangkok and nearby areas last weekend, made his comment shortly after a key political ally was shot in the head. Sondhi Limthongkul, a political leader who helped topple former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- who supports the protesters -- underwent surgery and was expected to recover, according to medics.The shooting was the latest chapter in weeks of widespread political unrest in Thailand, pittingThaksin loyalists against Abhisit's supporters.Asked how long the decree will remain in place, Abhisit told CNN's Dan Rivers, "Days, days I would say," adding that it would not be lifted until there was no threat of a "return to chaos and violence."