It was inevitable that the situation would get to this point. The Thai government actually waited too long to take charge and consequently let things get out of hand. There should never have been as many deaths and injuries as those suffered by the Red Shirts.TGO
Refer to story below. Source: Associated Press
BANGKOK – The Thai government says an operation launched at daybreak to clear protesters from their barricaded encampment in downtown Bangkok will last throughout the day.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says Wednesday’s operation is designed “to secure the parameter in several locations in Bangkok.”
Panitan appeared on television several hours after the crackdown started.
Armored vehicles and soldiers converged on the protest encampment and have broken through a section of tire-and-bamboo barricade. Continuous gunfire is being heard from the area.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
BANGKOK (AP) — Two Thai armored vehicles have toppled the tire-and-bamboo barricade of an encampment where anti-protesters are holed up in downtown Bangkok.
Bamboo spears splintered and tires scattered as the army vehicles repeatedly rammed the barricade. The vehicles made no attempt to drive through the large holes punched by their operation, and troops stayed outside.
Troops launched an operation Wednesday to disperse some 3,000 protesters inside the encampment, which they have occupied for weeks.
Soldiers fired sporadically into the protest zone Wednesday. A commander said a group of protesters were about 200 yards (meters) away.
At least 39 people have been killed and more than 300 people wounded in seven days of clashes in Bangkok.
