World | Other World Stories
Calm returns to Bangkok after bloody rioting
Anti-government demonstrators in Thailand rested but vowed revenge on Wednesday, a day after their blockade of Parliament triggered wild melees with police that left two people dead and more than 400 injured.
- Agencies
- Published: 20:14 October 8, 2008
Bangkok: Anti-government demonstrators in Thailand rested but vowed revenge on Wednesday, a day after their blockade of Parliament triggered wild melees with police that left two people dead and more than 400 injured.
There was no sign of renewed street clashes between police and protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy, which wants sweeping electoral changes to prevent what it says are corrupt politicians exploiting the rural majority to stay in power.
Troops armed with batons and helmets guarded the Bangkok police headquarters near Parliament, while hundreds of workers swept the surrounding streets, which were littered with burned-out cars and debris from Tuesday's rioting — Thailand's worst political violence in more than 16 years.
At least five major confrontations left 423 protesters and 20 police wounded, medical authorities said. Two died in the violence.
Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat sought to reassure foreign diplomats that his government was in control of the country, later telling reporters that he had justified the use of tear gas against protesters as the "international standard" for restoring civil order.
But leaders of the alliance said they would not give up their campaign to overturn the government.
"We will not negotiate with a man who has blood on his hands," said protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul amid loud applause from thousands of protesters at the compound housing the prime minister's office, which they have occupied for six weeks.
"I ask our brothers and sisters to be strong and turn your sorrow into anger so we can have our revenge," Sondhi said, calling for supporters nationwide to join the campaign.
A day earlier, anti-government protesters besieged the legislature and trapped lawmakers inside for several hours as police outside fired countless volleys of tear gas trying to clear the area.
Both sides accuse the other of using vicious tactics in Tuesday's clashes.
More from Other World Stories
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
