Thai police arrested six people during clashes involving anti-government protesters in Bangkok late yesterday. Authorities today confined any protests or rallies to approved areas and banned street marches.
Police have video and other evidence that those detained were involved in ``attacking police and damaging public property,'' Adisorn Nonsee, head of the Bangkok police, told state-owned Radio Thailand early today. ``We have been very patient in the past. But last night, the protesters reached an unacceptable point.'' Protest organizers blamed police for triggering the violence.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has repeatedly warned he will impose emergency measures in the capital if protests turn violent. Rallies led by the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, calling for the resignation of the junta and its installed government, have so far been peaceful.
The military ousted the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup in September. Army chief and junta leader Sondhi Boonyarataklin, who led last year's coup, told Radio Thailand he would meet with the premier and security officials today to decide whether to impose emergency rule in the capital.
``The protesters have a clear objective, to trigger turmoil in the country,'' Sondhi said today.
Crowd Reacted
Protesters reacted when police tried to arrest more than 20 leaders who were addressing the crowd from the tops of trucks, said a spokeswoman for the United Front, who identified herself only by her nickname Pop.
About 43 protesters and members of the public were injured and three remain in hospital, Pop said. While no members of the United Front were detained, other protesters may have been arrested, she said.
Police started the violence ``when they dropped pepper bombs,'' Pop said via telephone today. ``Once it's out you get hurt, your eyes are burning. That caused public anger.''
Anyone organizing street protests will face arrest under ``strictly enforced'' existing laws, Prayuth Chan-ocha, commander of the First Army Region, told military-owned radio. Rallies will now be confined to designated areas including Sanam Luang park, where Bangkok protests are traditionally held.
Inciting Military
Protesters are trying to incite the military to violence to ``ignite hatred against the army'' and garner support for their cause, he said.
``The situation is under control by the police. There is no need for the army's intervention,'' Prayuth said. ``They are tempting the army to impose emergency rule that will lead to blame from other people, especially the international community.''
Police officers and protesters were injured when as many as 5,000 demonstrators, some throwing rocks and stones, attacked barricades outside the home of Prem Tinsulanonda, head of the king's privy council, late yesterday.
Police used tear gas and water from fire engines to disperse the crowd and attempted to arrest leaders of anti- government groups, whom they accuse of inciting violence, Nation Channel reported. Footage of the confrontation aired on most state-controlled television stations.
Soldiers were placed on alert. They weren't needed as police gained control of the area and many protesters returned to Sanam Luang, Prayuth told military run Channel 5 late yesterday. Clashes ended about 11 p.m. Bangkok time.
Some groups that oppose the government have mounted petitions and organized rallies seeking the removal of Prem as chief adviser to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The protesters accuse Prem of being involved in the coup.
Source: Bloomberg
Six arrested after Bangkok protest turns violent
Six arrested after Bangkok protest turns violent
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