- Title: THAILAND: Army continues standoff with anti-government protesters
- Date: 19th May 2010
- Summary: BANGKOK, THAILAND (MAY 18, 2010) (REUTERS) EMPTY STREET OF RAMA IV ROAD VARIOUS OF SOLDIERS BEHIND BUNKER SOLDIER ON MOTORCYCLE LEAVING RAMA IV ROAD SOLDIERS TAKING POSITION SOLDIERS CHECKING VEHICLES BANGKOK, THAILAND (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (MAY 18, 2010) (REUTERS) PLUMES OF SMOKE AFTER SOLDIER SHOOTING NEW SET UP OF HOME MADE BARRICADE OF TYRES AND BARBED WIRE SEIZE
- Embargoed: 3rd June 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Thailand
- Country: Thailand
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA9IJACARWC0A0D45GNP3GC91JC
- Story Text: Thai troops maintained a security cordon around thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok on Tuesday (May 18) as gunshots ran out after a night of sporadic violence in which smaller protests were reported in several parts of the capital.
An estimated 5,000 "red shirts" remain in their main encampment covering 3 sq kms (1.2 sq miles) of a shopping district and from where they have rallied since April 3 for the government to step down and new elections be held.
Authorities had warned them to leave by 3 p.m. (0800 GMT) on Monday, but the deadline passed without any action being taken.
Hundreds of women and children took refuge in a temple inside the protest area, while some protesters fought with soldiers in areas around the camp.
"Red shirt" leaders have proposed a ceasefire and talks moderated by the United Nations, which the government dismissed. On Monday (May 17) they said they would accept talks as long as a neutral arbiter took part and troops withdrew.
Erawan Emergency Medical Centre said on Tuesday that 38 people had died in the flare-up of violence since May 13 and 67 people since trouble started in April. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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