Bloody Day in Bangkok

At least seven people were killed and more than 100 others injured as troops battled red-shirt protesters around the Rajprasong rally site in the most violent day since the April 10 bloodbath. Despite the insistence of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) that the general situation was under control, gunfires and explosions were still heard last night at the Bon Kai area. Tyres were burning along the Ratchaprarop Road, which leads to the red shirts' rally stage. Bonfires were also started on Sathorn Road. Several grenades fired from M79 launchers hit the Ratchaprarop, Bon Kai and Sala Daeng areas. Rumours abounded last night that the red shirts' militant wing, which is loyal to Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, who was shot and critically injured by a sniper on Thursday, would run amok in vengeance.

Key clashes took place in front of the Lumpini Night Bazaar in the afternoon as troops sought to edge closer to the red fortress and reclaim some strategic areas seized earlier. Four people were reportedly killed as a result of the battles in this key area. The Rama IV Road was sealed off, making it an eerie space marred by black smoke from burning tyres and occupied by troops and angry, belligerent protesters. Later, protesters fought troops moving up from the northern side of Rajprasong. Clashes on the Ratchaprarop Road were more intense due to the narrower space, and continued until the evening.

• "The Battle Rages On", The Nation, 5/15/10.
  
• "UN head Ban Ki-moon urges end to Bangkok clashes", BBC News, 5/14/10.
  
• "Unfazed red-shirts guards ready for military incursion", The Nation, 5/14/10.
• "Sniper 'targeted Khattiya from high-rise'", The Nation, 5/14/10.