Gun-fire breaks out in Bangkok
Malaysia Sun
Sunday 12th April, 2009
Soldiers in the Thai capital, Bangkok, have fired rifle shots to disperse anti-government protestors.
The protesters were camped at a major junction in the city, but retreated into side streets as the soldiers advanced.
Some protesters have hurled stones at the soldiers who have also retaliated with tear gas.
It is believed some people were hurt in the confrontation at the landmark Victory Monument in Bangkok.
Despite the state of emergency which was declared on Sunday, thousands of protestors have been in the streets.
The protesters, who are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, have blocked several of the city's main roads.
The red-shirted demonstrators are supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in 2006.
Mr Thaksin has called on the demonstrators to continue their protests until the government has fallen.
The former prime minister has promised to return from exile if authorities are violent toward the protesters.
Meanwhile, Thai police are holding Arismun Pongreungrong, a Thai pop singer who led a protest on Saturday which closed down the ASEAN economic summit in the town of Pattaya.
He has been charged with inciting others to break the law and attempting to kidnap the prime minister.
The collapse of the ASEAN summit was an embarrassment to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has vowed to restore order by forceful means if necessary.
Malaysia Sun
Sunday 12th April, 2009
Soldiers in the Thai capital, Bangkok, have fired rifle shots to disperse anti-government protestors.
The protesters were camped at a major junction in the city, but retreated into side streets as the soldiers advanced.
Some protesters have hurled stones at the soldiers who have also retaliated with tear gas.
It is believed some people were hurt in the confrontation at the landmark Victory Monument in Bangkok.
Despite the state of emergency which was declared on Sunday, thousands of protestors have been in the streets.
The protesters, who are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, have blocked several of the city's main roads.
The red-shirted demonstrators are supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in 2006.
Mr Thaksin has called on the demonstrators to continue their protests until the government has fallen.
The former prime minister has promised to return from exile if authorities are violent toward the protesters.
Meanwhile, Thai police are holding Arismun Pongreungrong, a Thai pop singer who led a protest on Saturday which closed down the ASEAN economic summit in the town of Pattaya.
He has been charged with inciting others to break the law and attempting to kidnap the prime minister.
The collapse of the ASEAN summit was an embarrassment to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has vowed to restore order by forceful means if necessary.
