Clashes between troops and protesters continued in Bangkok on Saturday as authorities tried to contain red-shirts around the Ratchaprasong rally site and prevent food supplies entering the area.
The Erawan emergency unit reported on Saturday morning that street fights have killed 16 people and wounded 141 since Thursday, when authorities tried to seal off the protest site.
Gunfire and explosions were heard at several locations including the Bon Kai area, Din Daeng intersection, Ratchaprarop Road and Silom Road throughout the day, as red-shirt protesters set a garbage truck, telephone booths and other public property on fire.
The army has declared the Ratchaprarop area a "live-firezone" and prohibited the general public from entering the area due to intensifying clashes between troops and red-shirts.
"The current situation is almost full civil war," said Jatuporn Prompan, a key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). "I am not sure how this conflict will end."
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said on national television before noon that the government's Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) will continue its operation to reclaim Bangkok's Ratchaprasong commercial district from the protesters.
"The CRES can still bring the situation under control," Mr Panitan said. "Members of the public and journalists, however, should avoid going to areas where there are clashes between protesters and soldiers."
He said there were about 6,000 protesters remaining at the protest venue.
Numerous M-79 grenades were fired at security forces in various areas on the fringes of the protest site overnight, he said.
MrJatuporn said the protesters vowed to continue to fight until until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves the lower House and resigns.
The red-shirt co-leader also said that there would be no more talks between the UDD and the government.
Another UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana said supplies were starting to run low after troops blocked supporters trying to bring food to the rally site.
But there were still enough supplies to last days, he said.
In the morning, UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over mounting violence in Thailand and urged the government and protesters to return to talks, according to a UN statement.
He called on opposing sides to avert bloodshed and resume talks.
“The Secretary-General is following with growing concern the rapidly mounting tensions and violence in Thailand,” a statement issued by his spokesman said. “He is saddened by the reports of numerous civilian deaths, including journalists, as a result of the latest clashes between protesters and security forces.
“He appeals to both the protesters and the Thai authorities to do all within their power to avoid further violence and loss of life.
He strongly encourages them to urgently return to dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation and resolve matters peacefully."
This photo gallery shows soldiers taking position as red-shirts burn tyres near Bon Kai intersection on Saturday. (Photos by Sarot Meksophawannakul, Thiti Wannamontha and Apichart Jinakul)
From : Bangkok Post
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