Thai Red Shirt leader shot, protester killed скачать в хорошем качестве

Thai Red Shirt leader shot, protester killed

http://timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT... Bangkok - A Thai general aligned with the country's Red Shirt anti-government protesters has been shot, as security forces begin a crackdown on their encampment in downtown Bangkok. General Seh Daeng on Thursday was shot possibly by a sniper near the site swarmed by thousands of anti-government protesters. The general is reported to be in serious condition. In clashes later, a protester was shot dead. The army has moved to seal off the protesters' large camp. The incident came after protesters gathered in a posh Bangkok neighborhood to resume anti-government protests. There are reports that the general has sustained a serious wound, either in the head or chest, and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. A state of emergency in place in the capital and surrounding areas is to be extended to 15 other provinces. Thai security forces have said they will form a blockade around the site in an effort to force the protesters out. An army spokesman, Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said earlier today that snipers will be deployed, and are prepared to fire live ammunition if necessary. General Seh Daeng is a hardcore supporter of the so-called "Red Shirt" protesters and believes the current government came to power illegitimately and should be forced out. The Red Shirts have occupied the upscale neighborhood for several weeks, as they demand the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Thai authorities increased pressure on the Red Shirts after the protesters failed to leave the rally site, despite agreeing to a reconciliation plan that called for early elections. Red Shirt leaders say they are prepared to confront the soldiers if they storm the outpost. The planned blockade comes after the Thai government backed down from a vow to shut off vital supplies, including food, water and electricity, to the encampment Wednesday. It was called off after residents complained they would be affected the most. The Red Shirts have been marching and occupying parts of Bangkok since March. The mostly poor, rural and urban workers are supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. They claim Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government was installed illegitimately after a court forced a pro-Thaksin government to dissolve. Mr. Abhisit offered last week to dissolve parliament and hold new elections on November 14, more than a year ahead of schedule, in hopes of ending a crisis that has claimed the lives of 29 people. The death toll includes 25 people killed during an April 10 clash between the protesters and Thai security forces. The Red Shirts accepted the proposal in principle earlier this month. But they later made a new demand for Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to face criminal charges for his role in the April 10 crackdown. ---------- Copyright 2010 THE TIMES OF EARTH All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.