Explosions follow ultimatum to Bangkok protestors
Gunfire and explosions echoed through central Bangkok today hours after the government warned it was going to seal off the area occupied by thousands of protesters.
It had earlier said that troops would not hesitate to shoot armed “terrorists” who resisted.
Armoured personnel carriers and snipers surrounded the protesters who have barricaded themselves behind piles of tyres and bamboo spears in the square mile area, said Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the agency charged with ending the protest.
The agency “has shifted its strategy toward complete blockade and interception,” he said.
Separately, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajvia said he had rescinded his offer to hold elections on November 14 because the protesters have refused to end their sit-in.
The Red Shirt protesters believe Abhisit’s coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the backing of the powerful military, and they have occupied parts of the capital since March 12 to demand new elections.
