Thai soldiers fire shots in the air to clear protesters

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2009 18:53

In Thailand, soldiers have sprayed automatic weapons fire into the air and thrown tear gas to clear anti-government protesters blocking roads in Bangkok. At least 74 people are reported injured in the clashes.

A Thai soldier fires a shot into the air as they clear  anti-government protestors from the streets near downtown  Monday, April 13, 2009, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai  authorities have declared a state of emergency shutting  down rail service as soldiers continue to battle against  anti-government demonstrators.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

After more than 12 hours of scattered clashes, all but some small groups of anti-government protesters are withdrawing to the area around the prime minister's office. Thousands of people have been camped there since late March.

Earlier, protesters were stationed at half a dozen points in the capital. They use public buses to block several key intersections, set tires on fire and sent unmanned buses hurtling toward lines of soldiers.

Troops moved in with water cannon and fired repeatedly in the air, after protesters poured fuel on the road, threatening to set it alight if soldiers acted.

Editor:Xiong Qu