Army on Standby as Bangkok Violence Escalates

The Thai army has been put on standby as violence has continued this evening in Bangkok following this morning’s original clashes outside parliament. Today’s events have been confined to the Dusit area of the Thai capital. There are reports that 2 people have now lost their lives and over 200 have been injured in fighting between anti-government protesters and the police.

At least 10 policemen were injured as the protesters drove a pick-up truck into police lines and in separate incidents, 3 policemen have been shot and wounded close to the Thai parliament. Thai television has shown pictures of baton-wielding protesters fighting with police who have responded with tear gas. There are early reports that small units of troops have been deployed in certain strategic areas of the capital. An army spokesman has stated that troops will not be armed and are there to retain order. Not for the first time in the last few months, the army has insisted that there is no prospect of a military coup to replace the government.

photo from MCOT

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