Thai PM calls for halt to violence

Protesters in the Thai capital have commandeered public buses and swarmed
military vehicles in defiance of the state of emergency declared by the
government.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, center, arrives for a meeting before declaring a state of emergency at Interior Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, April 12, 2009.(AP Photo)

In the latest update from Thailand a Thai army spokesman says that gunshots
were fired in a clash between hundreds of soldiers and red-shirted protesters in
Bangkok early on Monday morning.

The gunfire began at about 4:30 a.m. local time on Monday and about 300
protesters were involved in the clash.

There have been some reports of casualties by medical staff and Thai
television, but no confirmation as of yet. Please stay with CCTV International
for more updates on the evolving situation in Thailand.

Anti-government protesters roamed Bangkok furiously smashing armored vehicles
looting and attacking men they suspected to be senior government officials.

Police say some 30-thousand demonstrators were scattered around the city on
Sunday, blocking 20 intersections on the city street.

Thaksin is regarded by most of these protesters as their leader. He has called for a revolution and said he might return from exile to lead it. (CCTV.com)

Thaksin is regarded by most of these protesters as their leader. He has
called for a revolution and said he might return from exile to lead it.

"It is time for the people to come out in a revolution asking for real
democracy for our people with the constitution under the monarchy. We will stand
side by side and when it is necessary, I will come back to the country."

Political tensions have simmered since Thaksin was ousted by a military coup
three years ago for alleged corruption and abuse of power. But he remains
popular for his populist policies.

His rival, current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is calling on the public
not to panic and to cooperate with the government to end the crisis. But he
hinted tough measures could be an option.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Prime Minister, said, "If the demonstrators ask for
acceptable demands they can have them. But the demonstrators have no right to
break the rule of law, especially if that action affects other people's rights.
If you don't stop, the government has to use its power under the state of
emergency."

Outside the Interior Ministry, a furious mob attacked Abhisit's car with
poles, a ladder and even flower pots as it slowly made its escape The prime
minister's secretary and his driver were badly injured.

The current situation has left open the possibility of tough military action.
Thailand has experienced 18 military coups in the past seven decades.

Anti-government protestors smash a car of security guards
of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva inside the
Interior Ministry in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, on
April 12, 2009. Red-shirted protestors forced into the
Interior Ministry on Sunday, soon after Prime Minister
Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok
and some districts in five nearby provinces.(Xinhua Photo)