Anti-government protests in Bangkok kill 2, leave 133 injured

BANGKOK - Thousands of troops fired warning shots and tear gas to turn back rampaging anti-government protesters Monday night, forcing retreating demonstrators into one neighborhood where residents furious at the chaos turned against them.

The evening gunbattle came after a full day of clashes between the protesters – who are pressing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign – and soldiers across the city. Troops fired warning shots and tear gas at the demonstrators and finally forced most to retreat to their base outside the prime minister’s offices. There organizers said the group, which is made up largely of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, would make its “final stand.”

Two people died in clashes between protesters and city residents enraged at their violent disruption. More than 100 people were injured in the more than 12 hours of running street battles – a major escalation of the country’s ongoing political turmoil.

The unrest caused malls and shops to shutter, and official celebrations for the Thai new year were canceled. More than a dozen countries, including the United States, issued travel warnings urging citizens to avoid trips to Thailand and for those already in Bangkok to stay in their hotels and away from the protests.

As evening fell, some of the 6,000 troops deployed in Bangkok began moving toward Government House, where the protesters have been holding out since March 26. An estimated 5,000 demonstrators were gathered in the area.

But as protesters retreated, street fighting broke out in several neighborhoods between them and residents angry at their disruption.

The deaths occurred at a market near the protesters’ stronghold, which is outside the prime minister’s offices, said government minister Sathit Wongnongtoey. Dr. Chatri Charoenchivakul of the official Erawan Emergency Coordination Center said the victims were males aged 19 and 53.

He said 133 people in total were hurt Monday.