Troops fighting with the REDS ,all BTS closed down in BANGKOK
 

Troops disperse protesters, Phan Fa 'to be cleared by nightfall'
Published: 10/04/2010 at 04:04 PM
Online news: Local News

Security forces have started clearing red shirt protesters from their
rally at Phan Fa bridge, an operation which will be completed by
nightfall, said Centre for Public Administration in Emergency
Situations spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The move came after about 200 red-shirt protesters surrounded the
headquarters of the 1st Army Region on Si Ayyuthya Road and tried to
force their way into the ompund at about 1pm. But the troops used
water cannon and tear gas to push the demonstrators back.

The red-shirts, led by Kwanchai Praipana, had come from the nerarby
Phan Fa bridge site


Troops then left the base and advanced on the protesters, who
gradually retreated. By 2pm, security personnel have retaken a large
part of Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leaders at Ratchaprasong intersection appealed
for their supporters to come to the rescue.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said in an afternoon
television interview that security forces would continue pressuring
the protesters to abandon their rally sites throughout the capital.

This is part of the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency
Situations' (CPAES) operation to reopen the road to traffic, he said.

"Security forces will use proper measure to take over the public areas
occupied by the protesters," he said. "The protesters know that they
are occupying public areas that are prohibited under the decree. The
security forces have to take those areas back."


Supporters of the anti-government movement tried to fight the anti-
riot forces
Petchpong Kamchornkij, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration's Erawan medical centre, said 84 security personnel and
red-shirts were injured in tha clashes at Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The
number of the injured rose to 135 as of 7pm.

Shoppers this afternoon were told to leave shopping malls near to
Ratchaprasong intersection and the retail centres closed down in
anticipation of a crackdown.

All skytrain stations have also been closed in the afternoon.

CPAES spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said security forces would finish
clearing the rally at Phan Fa Bridge before nightfall.

"Authorities must finish dispersing the protesters at Phan Fa Bridge
before nightfall," Col Sansern said. "We are still waiting for
instructions on the shopping district."

This photo gallery shows red-shirt protesters trying to force their
way into the headquarters of the 1st Army Region on Saturday
afternoon. (Photos by Anakpong Sonsakul)