Asia-Pacific

135 injured in clashes in Bangkok

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-10 21:08

BANGKOK - So far 135 people were injured in the clashes Saturday afternoon between "red shirts protesters and the security forces in Bangkok, a doctor from national Erawan emergency center said at about 6:30 p.m.

Soldiers walk past tear gas during clashes with anti-government "red shirt" protesters in Bangkok April 10, 2010. Thai troops fired rubber bullets at opposition "red shirts" on Saturday as they moved in to clear a protest site in Bangkok in the biggest confrontation in the month-long campaign for new elections, witnesses said. [Agencies]

Doctor Petchpong Kumjornkijjakarn, director of Erawan (or Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Center) said that among the injuries there are 41 soldiers and three policemen.

Bangkok witnesses a sharp escalation of tension Saturday as several clashes were reported around the city between "red-shirts" and the security forces who is serving the emergency rule. The security staff used rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas to try to disperse the protesters.

Some "red-shirts" were carrying weapons including guns, bullets and explosives and two soldiers were shot in the clashes, according to the Army's spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd in a live TV address earlier.

Anti-government "red shirt" protesters scuffle with Thai security forces as they advance through their camp during clashes in central Bangkok April 10, 2010. [Agencies]

There are about 8,500 red-shirts in and around Bangkok, according to Sansern Saturday morning.

After clashes and confrontations the policemen have withdrawn from Ratchaprasong area, one of the major rally sites of "red- shirts", by 6:40 p.m. And the army had retreated from Phan Fah Bridge, another major rally site.