Seven people wounded in Bangkok shooting

  • 10 years ago
Protests in Bangkok took a dangerous turn again on Saturday, as gunmen opened fire on anti-government protesters.

Seven people were wounded, one of whom sustained serious injuries.

Protesters are gearing up for an attempt to shut down the Thai capital next week and halt an election scheduled in February.

Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said he feared an escalation of violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) ARMY CHIEF GENERAL PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA SAYING:

"I am concerned about security because there will be a lot of people. Violence is increasing. I want to urge all sides and everybody, please don't clash and fight. We're all Thais. We can think differently but we cannot kill each other. Please don't use violence. Thai people must reduce violence."

For more than a month, protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. They accuse Yingluck's brother Thaksin of nepotism and corruption and say he has destabilised Thai democracy.