2 dead, 120 injured
Leaders of demonstrations that plunged the Thai capital into chaos Tuesday called off their protests following rioting and clashes that left two dead and more than 120 injured across Bangkok. Several were then taken into police custody.
About 2,000 die-hard protesters abandoned their encampment around the seat of government, as combat troops ringed the demonstrators' last stronghold making preparations for a crackdown.
Thailand's Deputy Police Commissioner Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit said four of the protest leaders had surrendered and would be interrogated. They were seen taken away to nearby police headquarters.
Thai army begins crackdown on protests
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said it was not clear if all the protest leaders had turned themselves in.
"We have decided to call off the rally today because many brothers and sisters have been hurt and killed," said key protest leader Suporn Attawong. "And we will not allow more deaths."
Jakrapob Penkair, another protest leader, also said the movement, which is demanding the resignation of Prime Mininster Abhisit Vejjajiva and new elections, "will continue fighting." The leaders did not specify what action they would take next.
"We have not achieved our goal of toppling the status quo and returning power to the majority of the people. We have not achieved our goal of returning the army to the barracks and stopping the ruling elite from intervening in politics. Until that happens, many won't be giving up," Jakrapob said.
Text & Images: Copyright AP. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
Image: A lone Thai soldier stands guard next to a burned out bus in Bangkok, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.
