Thai government confirms death in Bangkok violence
Thai troops clash with protestors in Bangkok
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Monday, 13, Apr 2009 08:22
The Thai government has confirmed at least one protestor has died during clashes between troops and demonstrators in the capital of Bangkok.
At least 70 other people are reported to have been injured during the clashes, as the soldiers tried to clear anti-government protestors from parts of the city.
The demonstrations became progressively more violent through Monday as vehicles and buildings, including the education ministry, were set on fire.
In response to stones and petrol bombs being thrown by the protestors, troops are said to have fired bullets and tear gas into the crowds.
The Thai military has claimed the soldiers fired blanks into the crowds and real bullets into the air, but former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who the demonstrators back, claims live ammunition was used on the protestors.
"They shot people. Many died, many people were injured," he told CNN.
Earlier this weekend, the current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency after the protestors, managed to shut down a summit of Asian leaders in the beach town of Pattaya.
The heads of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) had gathered at the resort to discuss, amongst other things, the global economic downturn. However, the red-shirted protestors managed to storm the venue to demand Mr Abhisit's resignation.
The Thai military has blamed the protestors for the outbreaks of violence last night and today and maintains it is committed to keeping the peace.
"We will start with soft measures and proceed to harder ones," an army spokesman told the AFP news agency.
"We will avoid loss of life as instructed by the government."
Earlier on Sunday protestors managed to break into the interior ministry and attack a car they thought was carrying Mr Abhisit.
The prime minister is reported to have escaped unhurt but tanks and soldiers were deployed onto the capital's streets as a result.
The supporters of Mr Thaksin claim the current prime minister took office illegally and is a puppet of the Thai military.