Tension in Thailand explodes into violence

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2009 13:30

Tensions are running high in Thailand, as the red-shirted, anti-government protesters continue their demonstrations.

The clash occurred hours after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency.

Supporters of ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra burn tyres as they block a main road in Bangkok April 13, 2009.REUTERS/Vivek Prakash

Soldiers fired warning shots and used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters. Protestors had used a seized bus to force their way against troops in the northern part of Bangkok.

This was the first serious clash between the demonstrators and security forces since protests surged in Thailand last week.

Bangkok police said up to 30-thousand demonstrators were scattered around the city.

Bands of anti-government protesters roamed areas of Bangkok on Sunday. Some of them furiously smashed cars thought to be carrying Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his aides.

The "red shirts" occupied at least 20 intersections in the capital... in defiance of the state of emergency declared by the government.