As if things weren’t bad before, now they’re really heating up (no pun intended). The protesters have been setting fires in Bangkok.
Government officials have mishandled this entire situation; it should have never come to this. TGO
Refer to story below. Source: Associated Press
BANGKOK – Witnesses say at least six more bodies from the Bangkok unrest are lying in a Buddhist temple in the protest zone.
They say the temple, Wat Pathum Vanaram, was supposed to be a sanctuary for protesters from the street violence but troops have yet to secure the surrounding area.
Hundreds of people fled there after the army launched a crackdown to end a two-month standoff in the Thai capital.
Canadian journalist Mark MacKinnon, who was at the temple, said the situation remained dangerous with bullets flying overhead until a cease-fire was negotiated late Wednesday night.
Medical volunteer Anan Thongniem said the dead included two protesters, one protest ‘guard’ and two medics.
The deaths would bring Wednesday’s death toll to at least 12.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s prime minister says he is confident order will be restored and has promised firm action to crack down on arson that has spread through the capital and other areas around the country after troops cracked down on protesters.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva tried to reassure his country in a televised announcement Wednesday that the government would restore calm, although fires spread through the city after troops moved earlier in the day against thousands of protesters holed up in central Bangkok.
“Please rest assured that the government, officers and I are confident and determined that we can overcome the problems,” he said, adding that troops had been given the go-ahead to shoot at suspected arsonists.
