News Flash

7 die, 101 injured in Thai clashes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-15 00:59

BANGKOK -- Seven people lost their lives during a series of clashes between troops and the anti-government protesters on Friday in Thailand's capital Bangkok, the Erawan's Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Center told Xinhua.

All seven persons are civilians, while those 101 injured people includes both security personnel and civilians, according to the Erawan's emergency center.

These combined 108 figures were recorded by 22:00 hours, local time.
Meanwhile, Doctor Petchpong Kumjornkijjakarn, Erawan center's director explained among the 101 injured persons included three foreign nationals, Thai News Agency reported.

And, among the total injured persons, nine were intensive care unit patients, Doctor Petchpong added.

Meanwhile, Police General Hospital chief medical officer Jongjet Aowajenpong disclosed two of the total seven death cases were sent to the Police General Hospital.

The two cases were Piyapong Kittiwong, who was dead after a bullet hit him in the head and Prachuap Jiraphand, who was killed after being shot in the chest.

The latest development in the capital Bangkok has followed the announcement by the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation ( CRES), which said on Friday morning that it will keep pressure on the "red-shirt" protesters to end their prolonged rally.

The troops started to seal off the "red-shirts" fortified encampment late on Thursday, prompting violent clashes in which Khattiya Sawasdipol, chief military adviser to protesters, was admitted to hospital after being shot in the head.

The anti-government "red-shirt" rally in central Bangkok has been held from March 12 as the Rathchaprason Intersection in central Bangkok is their main rally site.