<p><br /> Fears of civil war in Thailand are deepening following a day of protests, blockades and a grenade attack against a politician.<br /> </p><p><br /> The country's revered King made a rare appearance on Thai television on Monday but made no direct comment on the political troubles in his kingdom.<br /> </p><p><br /> Protesters have fortified an encampment in Bangkok's main shopping district and have urged supporters in northern provinces to block convoys of police and soldiers from reinforcing the capital.<br /> </p><p><br /> Hopes for an end to a seven-week standoff that has paralysed Bangkok and killed 26 people were dashed over the weekend when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected a proposal by the protesters for an election in three months.<br /> </p><p><br /> Concern is growing about the impact the prolonged protests is having on domestic businesses, with signs that consumer confidence is flagging, and the tourism industry - Thailand's biggest foreign exchange earner - getting decimated.<br /> </p>
