Asia-Pacific

25 die, 215 injured in Bangkok's clashes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-16 16:44

BANGKOK - Some 25 persons lost their lives in clashes between troops and the protestors in the capital Bangkok since Friday, the Erawan's Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Center told Xinhua on Sunday.

Some 215 others were wounded, including both security personnel and civilians, the Erawan's emergency center said, adding that the casualties of 240 were recorded at 02:00 pm, local time.

The latest development followed the announcement by the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on Friday morning, saying it will keep pressure on the "red-shirt" protestors to end their prolonged rally.

The troops started to seal off the "red-shirts" fortified encampment late on Thursday, May 13, prompting violent clashes in which Khattiya Sawasdipol, chief military adviser to protestors, 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.