Thai troops have used tear gas and live rounds as they move to clear anti-government "red-shirt" protesters who have taken control of major areas of the capital, Bangkok. [Reuters]
Published On 13 Apr 200913 Apr 2009
Soldiers sprayed hundreds of rounds from their automatic weapons over the heads of protesters, while demonstrators returned fire with petrol bombs and other missiles, witnesses said. [Reuters]
Advertisement
The clashes follow days of escalating protests by supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled former Thai leader ouster in a 2006 coup. [EPA]
Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Thai prime minister, declared a state of emergency in the capital at the weekend after protesters laid siege to major areas including around Government House. [Reuters]
The emergency decree bans gatherings of more than five people, forbids news reports that threaten public order and allows the government to call up military troops to quell unrest. [AFP]
On Sunday a group of protesters attacked a convoy carrying Abhisit and his aides, injuring the driver in one car. [Reuters]
Authorities said at least 30,000 protesters were scattered around the city, while some police vans and army tanks were seen abandoned at several intersections. [GALLO/GETTY]
Advertisement
Thaksin, speaking to protesters via video-link and internet messages, has said he is preparing to return from exile to lead the protests in the event of a coup. [Reuters]
There are fears that the ongoing protests could lead to military intervention in a country that has experienced 18 military coups since the 1930s. [EPA]
Monday also marked the beginning of the Thai new year, but despite all events being cancelled foreign tourists were seen engaging in the ritualistic water throwing known as the Songkran festival. [EPA]
