Bangkok shutdown in full swing
Anti-government protesters in Bangkok early on January 13 have begun noisy demonstrations at several key areas of the city, blocking important intersections and causing heavy traffic disruptions in the central business district and at major roads.
The protests could last weeks or more and were so far peaceful while life continued more or less normally in much of the capital. However, overnight, another unidentified gunman opened fire on protesters who camped near a government complex, shooting one man in the neck who was admitted to a nearby hospital. It was the next in a row of drive-by shootings over the past days.
Up to 20,000 police and soldiers have been deployed to keep the situation under control. The army has positioned soldiers at various spots, particularly at government offices. Caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the target of the protesters, watched the situation from the defense ministry where she held emergency meetings with security agencies.
Protesters have vowed to surround ministries to prevent them from functioning and are planning to cut water and electricity to the private residences of Yingluck and her cabinet. Most Thai and international schools in Bangkok were closed on January 13, as were some major shopping malls. Many residents appeared to stay at home.
Anti-government protesters in Bangkok early on January 13 have begun noisy demonstrations at several key areas of the city, blocking important intersections and causing heavy traffic disruptions in the central business district and at major roads. The protests could last weeks or more and were so far peaceful while life continued more or less normally in much of the capital. However, overnight, another unidentified gunman opened fire on protesters who camped near a government complex, shooting one man in the neck who was admitted to a nearby hospital. It was the next in a row of drive-by shootings over the...
Anti-government protesters in Bangkok early on January 13 have begun noisy demonstrations at several key areas of the city, blocking important intersections and causing heavy traffic disruptions in the central business district and at major roads.
The protests could last weeks or more and were so far peaceful while life continued more or less normally in much of the capital. However, overnight, another unidentified gunman opened fire on protesters who camped near a government complex, shooting one man in the neck who was admitted to a nearby hospital. It was the next in a row of drive-by shootings over the past days.
Up to 20,000 police and soldiers have been deployed to keep the situation under control. The army has positioned soldiers at various spots, particularly at government offices. Caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the target of the protesters, watched the situation from the defense ministry where she held emergency meetings with security agencies.
Protesters have vowed to surround ministries to prevent them from functioning and are planning to cut water and electricity to the private residences of Yingluck and her cabinet. Most Thai and international schools in Bangkok were closed on January 13, as were some major shopping malls. Many residents appeared to stay at home.
