Nine killed as Thai troops try to clear protest camps

[maddezmom]

Source: BBC

Nine people have been killed and 300 hurt in clashes in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, as troops tried to retake areas from anti-government protesters.

Soldiers and police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as they advanced after dusk on the red-shirt protesters, who responded by throwing petrol bombs.

The army has now called for a truce, saying its troops have retreated.

The protesters, who want the government to call new elections, have been camped out in parts of the city for a month.

Earlier, the security forces retook an anti-government TV station.


Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8612783.stm

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Now15 dead; via Chinese media, '28 Thai soldiers held hostage by "red-shirts"'

BANGKOK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations's spokesman said late Saturday night the "red-shirts" protesters have held hostage two groups of soldiers.

The Nation online quoted Sansern Kaewkamnerd as saying the army is negotiating with the protesters to secure release of the soldiers.

He declined to give further details, saying the first group comprised eight soldiers while the second group comprised 20 soldiers.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-04/11/c_13245726.htm