WONG:
And in Thailand riot police fired several rounds of tear gas at protesters today. They were trying to disperse a crowd of campaigners who are escalating their bid to unseat the government. The country’s deputy prime minister has subsequently stepped down… taking responsibility for the clashes.
STORY:
The demonstrators were seated outside parliament since late yesterday. They were there to stop the country’s prime minister from delivering his first ever policy speech.
When police moved in against the protesters this morning they retaliated with firecrackers. Some protesters were badly hurt in the clash and two men lost part of their leg from exploding tear gas canisters.
The 5,000 protesters then regrouped in front of parliament.
Most are members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, a group of businessmen, academics and activists who say they are acting to defend the monarchy.
This group has occupied government house since late August forcing the prime minister to run the country from the Bangkok airport.
The prime minister has tried to negotiate with the protesters but no real talks have started yet.
