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Violence Hits Streets of Bangkok after Protests

by Rob Walker | April 13, 2009 at 05:16 am

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While Thailand has been reeling from hundreds of thousands of protesters marching through Bangkok and surrounding parliament buildings, the military finally arrived in the streets to attempt to restore order.

Numerous fires were started after petrol bombs were thrown, including a number of city busses. There were blockades by the 'red shirts' in Bangkok's city centre, which were overrun by troops. During a rare moment of calm, an activist came forward and handed pink roses to the troops.

Things took a violent turn after a bus was reversed towards the troops, who opened fire on the crowds. Some fired over their heads but a number of eyewitnesses said some troops fired directly at fleeing protesters.

The troops came well armed and in numbers, and quickly re-took a major intersection in the centre of Bangkok, despite the petrol bombs and fires started by the red-shirted anti-government protesters who had blocked major roads with commandeered buses.
Across the city centre, the Thai New Year began with a series of red-shirted blockades - tyres were set alight and plumes of black smoke drifted in front of government ministries.

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KLLKRKRRJIFHCJIUJF2 (not verified)

at 13:21 on April 13th, 2009

Sixtoedcat

at 20:21 on April 13th, 2009

April 8, 2009 Peaceful Pro-Democracy Demonstration by the "Red-Shirts" drew in thousands of participants. There was no incidence of violence or force.

Sixtoedcat has contributed a photo to this story.

zhushmanson

at 20:34 on April 15th, 2009

All these disorders and violence were so unpredictable. Because the beginning of protest was very peaceful and harmless. And you can see it in these photos.

zhushmanson has contributed a photo to this story.