Thai PM: situation is under control

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-14-2009 09:04

In Thailand, where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says the government has the situation under control, after 24 hours of chaos and violence around Bangkok. Clashes between troops and anti-government demonstrators have left two people dead and over a hundred wounded in the capital.

A Thai supporter of exiled Prime Minister Thaksin  Shinawatra faces the Thai army at Ding Daeng  intersection in the early morning, in Bangkok. Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters clashed with armed  soldiers and Bangkok residents Monday, leaving two dead  and 113 injured in street battles that raged across the  capital.(AFP/Nicolas Asfouri)

Thousands of soldiers fired warning shots and threw tear gas to disperse protesters around Bangkok on Monday.

By the evening, troops had forced most of the demonstrators to retreat to their base outside the Government House.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said, "We have taken measures which have finally brought the situation under control, except around Government House."

Abhisit is appealing to protesters to return to their homes. But the red-shirted demonstrators say they will make a final stand until the prime minister steps down.

Early on Tuesday, troops encircled thousands of protesters encamped near the Government House.

General Songkitti Jaggabatara, Thaiarmed forces chief, said, "We will use all means to end this situation of chaos and bring back peace and order as soon as possible on the basis of respect for the rights of the people."

Abhisit has dismissed reports about the military causing large bloodshed in Bangkok, blaming protesters for inciting violence.

Two people died during Monday's clashes. The government says the incident happened as protesters clashed with residents near a market.

Abhisit says he will continue working to bring back peace and order and is urging cooperation from all sides.

Bangkok has been in a state of emergency since Sunday, as red-shirted protesters blocking streets intensified demonstrations. They staged large-scale protests in Pattaya last weekend, forcing the cancellation of the ASEAN summit scheduled to be held in the city.

Editor:Zhang Yun