Bangkok, May 19 (DPA) Hundreds of Thai troops armed with M16s and shotguns moved on the southern section of an anti-government protest site Wednesday in the heart of Bangkok.
The troops, deployed at the intersection of Rama IV and Silom roads, used water hoses to break down barricades of rubber tyres and bamboo sticks set up weeks ago by red-shirted protestors who have occupied the Ratchaprasong district since April 3, Spring New TV reported.
The red shirts have been demanding that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve parliament and hold new elections.
Their nine-week protest has led to fierce street fighting that has paralyzed central Bangkok and claimed up to 66 dead and more than 1,400 injured.
